Have you ever dreamed about becoming a chef? Have you ever wanted to spend time seeing the world? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then a level 2 Maritime Caterer Apprenticeship could be the perfect way to kickstart an exciting and fulfilling career! This 24-month apprenticeship is designed to provide the apprentice with valuable practical work experience and a range of transferrable skills.
What is a Maritime Caterer?
A maritime caterer works as a member of the hospitality/hotel services department aboard ships and other vessels of all shapes and sizes, ensuring that the passengers and crew receive nutritious, expertly cooked meals whilst aboard. This role is more than just cooking however, a maritime caterer also handles all aspects of kitchen preparation and catering.
The skills required for a maritime caterer as follows:
- Planning a healthy, nutritional diet for the crew and passengers, taking into account various factors such as endurance of produce and the nutritional well being of all aboard the vessel.
- Menu costing, catering accountancy and management of records. It is important that a maritime caterer understands the importance of budgeting and the economy, taking those into account when creating their menu.
- Storeroom preparation and management. Hygienic stock checking and stock rotation to ensure safe working practices for all aboard the vessel.
- Be able to deliver excellent customer service and a willingness to go above and beyond when serving passengers and crew.
- The ability to use manual and electric food preparation and equipment, as well as food preparation machinery correctly and safely. This includes the correct, safe usage of knives and other safety equipment.
- Be able to administer emergency first aid in the event of an accident or incident.
- Understand and use survival techniques while in the water.
On top of the skills listed above, a maritime caterer is required to work as a member of a close knit team, therefore correct and appropriate behaviour is a crucial component of what makes the team work. Consideration for fellow seafarers is a must! Being at sea can mean that emergencies happen, and you must know what to do when a situation occurs. In emergencies, apprentices are expected to follow orders immediately, safely and in a calm manner.
Sounds Great! What do I need to get started?
Unlike more higher level apprenticeships, a level 2 Maritime Catering apprenticeship is more within reach than you might initially realise. Whilst individual employers will determine their own selection criteria and will need to be confident in their chosen applicants character, all an apprentice needs to possess in order to undertake this course are the following:
- Apprentices will need to be able to pass the medical entry requirements as defined in MCA regulations (i.e. the ENG14 Seafarer Medical Certificate) before starting the apprenticeship.
- An ability to work in a multicultural environment, that may be away from home for an extended period of time.
What kind of jobs can a Maritime Caterer apprenticeship help me get?
Once you’ve completed your maritime catering apprenticeship, the world (and sea!) Is your oyster! The skills learned upon this apprenticeship are transferrable and could help you in multiple jobs. Whether you gain your sea legs and choose to go into the cruise industry, or choose to be a landlubber and work as part of a restaurant kitchen, this apprenticeship will give you a fantastic start in the catering industry.
You will be qualified for many positions, such as sous chef, commis chef, and from there you would be subject to the natural progression of a chef in training.
In conclusion.
Apprenticeships are a great way of entering your desired industry, they can lead to full time work as well as offering you a chance to gain valuable qualifications. If you would like to see what other apprenticeships are out there in the UK, the latest information can be found over on our website here.
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