How to become a chef:
Apprenticeship Opportunities in the UK
Paid work placements for school leavers.
Updated for 2017.
We'll also post latest opportunities on our blog and Twitter feed so keep checking back for regular updates.
Apprenticeships
If you're leaving school and you think you want to become a chef, an apprenticeship in catering is a great option and there are likely to be restaurants offering places in your area. Thousands of food outlets offer apprenticeship positions each year and many successful chefs started out this way.
An added bonus is that you'll also get paid an apprentice wage for your work.
You'll learn how a professional kitchen works and you'll work under experienced chefs to help you hone your skill as you complete modules throughout the course. You'll be taught a little about kitchen management and dealing with the public.
You could be required to attend college for some modules and you may need to resit some GCSE exams. You can resit exams while you're working in your apprentice role. You will have a tutor to guide you through the course and you'll be required to show what you've learned.
GOV.UK
The GOV.UK website is run by the UK Government and can be a good tool for finding opportunities in your local area. On this site you'll also find advice on careers and information for parents.
You'll find plenty of apprentice chef listings although you'll have to sign up to apply for a position.
Caterer.com
Caterer.com is a great resource for finding apprentice opportunities and lists hundreds of catering vacancies on their site daily. You can search within a mile of your local area and the website makes it really easy to apply.
