If you are wanting a chef career that goes beyond a short-order cook and basic food preparation worker, you are going to need additional training from what you can get on the job. A high school diploma is required to be accepted to culinary schools that will train you to be a professional chef. It is also possible to start your basic training while still in high school.
Many vocational and high schools offer the essential aspects of training such as how to properly handle food and work in a restaurant environment safely. They also can provide you with basic computer and business classes that can be useful to a professional chef because they are often required to handle some of the business aspects of their restaurant. Large corporations offer paid internships and summer assignments to those who are just starting out in their chef career training.
To work as a head chef, also known as an executive chef, in the more esteemed establishment you will be required to have several years of professional training and experience. There are several types of schools you can receive your training from including cooking schools and professional culinary institutes. Many two and four year universities also offer hospitality and culinary degrees. Some very selective hotels and restaurants will train chefs through private programs.
To finish your professional training you will be required to participate in either an internship, apprenticeships or a placement at a restaurant that the school has an agreement with for training purposes. Internships
can be very helpful. This will get you the hands on training you will need to go further in you career as a chef as you work with other professionals side by side. They can give you much need experience and lead to a position in an advanced training curriculum.
If you are seeking a position at a fine restaurant this professional training and experience is essential. Vocational training may be able to get you lower level positions for you to work your way up from. But going through a more extensive formal training program that includes on the job experience can help you skip some levels. To advance to the executive chef level you will face some competition and additional certification requirements. Certifications may not be required to be a lower level chef but to advance to the up levels you will need it.
There are more than 100 accredited training programs and many apprenticeships in the United States that are supported by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Most apprenticeships are three years of a combination of class work and on the job training. When a program is supported by the ACF it is an indication that the program meets the highest standards in regards to its curriculum and services. Also the ACF issues certifications for culinary professionals as well as instructors. These are going to be the kind of schools that will allow you to get advancement in your career quickly and shorten your path to being an executive chef.
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