Chef

As a chef, you would:

• develop recipes, plan menus and create new dishes
•  research new ingredients and suppliers
•  prepare and cook dishes and desserts
•  control stock and inspect deliveries
•  maintain food safety and hygiene standards
•  supervise kitchen staff to make sure food is of high quality, presented well and served on time

• knowledge of food production methods
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience you could progress from being a commis chef, preparing and cooking dishes, to sous chef, supervising staff and running a kitchen when the head chef is away.

As a head chef, you could train to move into restaurant or hospitality management. If you work for a chain, you may be responsible for managing several sites.

You could also set up a catering business or open your own restaurant.