The world of professional cheffing is an exciting one, offering those with a passion for food the opportunity to showcase their creativity and build a name for themselves within this vibrant industry. Chefs are responsible for managing professional kitchens and ensuring streamlined coordination of all staff and food-related processes. Successful chefs also embody creativity and discipline, utilising their knowledge, talent, and skillset to curate innovative dishes fueled with flavour and finesse. Those wondering ‘how to become a chef’ should consult this ultimate guide from the culinary experts at CHS Hotel School.
How to Become a Chef: The Step-By-Step Guide
- Step 1: Obtain a culinary certificate after matric
While a culinary degree was once seen as somewhat optional, it is a must that aspiring chefs obtain a culinary qualification to attain specialised skills and remain competitive. A chef qualification will put you at a considerable advantage, teaching you the technical, practical, and business skills needed to thrive in the industry. Our three-year Professional Chef Qualification offers a comprehensive foundation to all aspiring chefs.
- Step 2: Gain real-world experience while you study
It’s essential that you gain real-world experience while studying so that you can channel your theoretical knowledge and practical expertise into a real-world setting. At CHS, all students will experience an integrated learning approach allowing them to work in professional kitchens and glean hands-on training to accompany the theoretical component.
- Step 3: Qualify and enter the working world
Once aspiring chefs qualify and obtain their certificates, it’s time to gain work experience in professional kitchens. The options are endless, career doors are wide open and recent graduates might find themselves qualified to enter a myriad of work environments, including restaurants, guesthouses, catering and events companies, hotels, private cheffing, and more.
Step 4: Continue to earn culinary certificates
Qualified chefs can constantly upskill themselves and supplement their qualifications by prioritising professional development and keeping up with the latest innovations, techniques, and equipment in the industry. Certifications can further set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs and make you a sought-after chef in professional circles.
Step 5: Work your way up through the kitchen hierarchy
Finally, once you have gained a great deal of knowledge, technical skill, and experience, you’ll work your way up the kitchen ladder. Show your passion, talent, and skills and get promoted to positions such as sous chef or executive chef.
Explore CHS Hotel School and Begin Your Career as a Chef
When you study with the culinary experts at CHS, you are guaranteed:
- Expert tuition
- Blended learning approaches
- Work-integrated learning experience at reputable hospitality establishments
- Nationally and internationally recognised qualifications
- All-inclusive study fees (which cover the chef uniform, all equipment, and the first-year teambuilding camp)
Get in touch with us to begin your exciting career as a chef. We want to share our wealth of knowledge about the culinary world with you and watch your chef career soar. Email us at info@capitalhotelschool.co.za for more information.