Becoming a chef is no easy task. You can think about all the different types of hurdles in your way when you are trying to become a chef. Of course, what hardships you will face also depends on the type of chef you want to be. Some people enroll in culinary schools and get their degrees with ease. On the other hand, some people like the hands-on experience right from day one. There is no wrong or right strategy. However, if you are someone who likes to take on challenges, you should definitely try to be a chef’s apprentice. When you are an apprentice, you are called the chef in the making.
I am here to tell you each and everything that you need to know about chef apprenticeship. Not to mention, you can enroll in one of my courses to learn all the basic concepts of cooking that you need to have when you are helping a chef by his/her side. So, let’s know what a chef’s apprentice is and then get into some more details so you can think carefully before becoming a chef.
A Chef’s Apprentice – A Basic Understanding
The first thing you have to know here is that you are not taking formal classes when you become a chef’s apprentice. You will not be sitting in a classroom where a chef will come and teach you every day what cooking is all about. Instead, you will be learning each and everything in the kitchen right by the side of the chef. That can be quite a pressuring situation in itself. So, make sure that you have thought about everything before you become an apprentice. If you can’t take pressure, I already tell you to think many times before you choose this path.
Working with world-class chefs can be extremely stressful. They want things done quickly and mistakes are not acceptable. However, you are not prepared to be in the hospitality industry if you are not ready to take pressure. The best thing about this type of program is that you can make some money while you are being an apprentice. That’s the best thing about being the direct student of a chef. You learn while working with the chef and get paid to do that.
If you are someone who has recently enrolled in some culinary school or are looking to find a place in a culinary school, you should definitely give chef apprenticeship a chance. You can get paid enough to pay for your studies at least. At the same time, you will be putting your learning to practical use while you are in the kitchen with the chef.
How long is it going for you to complete the chef apprenticeship program? That depends on the restaurant you are working at and how fast you learn things. However, apprentice programs usually last from 1 year to 3 years. That might seem like a long time but when you work with a chef, there is so much to learn and digest that three years pass before your eyes within days. Is there any other benefit to becoming a chef’s apprentice than getting paid? Yes, the best advantage is that you will receive a certificate after completing your program, which is definitely going to act as a huge star on your resume as a cook or chef.
Different Types of Chef’s Apprentices
· Butchery Chef Apprentice
In this type of apprenticeship, you will be focusing on using your knife to make the many different types of cuts in different types of meat. If you love meat, you should definitely try this one out. Once done with this program, you will prepare the most tender meat you have ever cooked.
· Pastry Chef’s Apprentice
You can tell from the name what this type of apprentice learns in the kitchen. If you have a love for sweet foods, you should join this program. In this program, you will be assisting the chef prepare all types of desserts. You will usually be assisting them in preparing cakes, pastries, breads, muffins, cupcakes, and many other similar desserts. The pressure in this kitchen is not as much as in the regular kitchen, but you still have to pay attention to details. Pastry chefs are all about minor details that make or bake their prepared desserts.
· Food Preparation Chef’s Apprentice
You have to know a lot of stuff to be with a chef that prepares all types of foods. Your knowledge will have to be vast because working with a food preparation chef means you will be preparing steaks at one moment and baking cakes at the other moment. You will have to pay attention to the details. Since you are getting paid for your services, you don’t want to mess up in the kitchen.
How Can I Help You with Chef’s Apprenticeship?
I can help you in a variety of ways if you are thinking about becoming a chef’s apprentice. First of all, I am a seasoned chef who has visited the world and learned a variety of cuisines. From Mexican food to the most traditional Chinese soups and meals, I can help you with anything you like. I am using this blog to spread my knowledge to others who are looking for a career in the hospitality and cooking industry.
Since I am a chef, you can become my apprentice. Or, if you are thinking about joining some other restaurant near you and work for some other chef, I highly recommend you to join my chef and cooking courses first. You will need some basic cooking, silverware handling, knife, etc. skills before you present yourself for your services with a professional, seasoned, and experienced chef. My courses will teach you everything and help you get started on the right foot.
Let’s Get Started
So, if you are thinking about becoming a chef’s apprentice, I highly recommend you to contact me or fill out the form on the website to get in touch with me. Also, you can take a look at my chef and cooking courses. Lastly, you can provide your email address on the website to receive my newsletters and news about my new courses and posts on my website.