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Chef

Chefs plan and organise the preparation and cooking of food in a number of settings.

The range of duties carried out by chefs will vary depending on where they work.

In larger establishments, the chef de cuisine or head chef generally does more supervising than cooking. Senior chefs have to attend staff meetings, where they discuss problems related to their areas, and receive or issue instructions to other managerial staff.

In small restaurants, the head chef may prepare food, assisted by other cooks or apprentices.

As well as expert cooking knowledge, chefs involved in supervision need a general knowledge of the skills and activities of all their workers.

Chefs who have management responsibilities may also perform duties such as complaints resolution and maintenance of financial records.

Chefs may be required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, sometimes on a 24-hour rotating roster.

The work may be stressful, especially at peak hours of the day.

TASKS

Chefs may perform the following tasks:

plan menus and determine food and labour costs
recruit and train staff
plan staff rosters and supervise the activities of cooks and assistants
discuss food preparation issues with managers, dietitians and other staff members
order food, kitchen supplies and equipment
demonstrate techniques to cooks and advise on cooking procedures
prepare and cook food
explain and enforce hygiene regulations
freeze and preserve foods

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

high level of personal cleanliness
enjoy cooking
able to organise efficient work schedules
good interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
able to work as a leader and as part of a team
punctuality
able to work under pressure and stay calm in difficult situations

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Chef de Cuisine - is the head or first chef.

Chef de Partie - may specialise as a larder cook, butcher, pastry cook, sauce cook, roast cook, relief cook, side-dish cook, breakfast cook, canteen cook or fish cook.

Commis Chef - is a cook who has just completed an apprenticeship or has an equivalent qualification.

Demi Chef de Partie - is the second-in-charge of a particular section of the kitchen.

Sous Chef/Second Chef - is the second-in-charge in the kitchen.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a chef you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers usually require Year 10.

Additional Information

Although both chefs and cooks complete an apprenticeship at certificate III level initially, chefs are generally required to gain further skills at certificate IV level and above.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Chefs are employed in hotels, motels, restaurants, clubs, cafes, cafeterias, hospitals, flight catering centres, seagoing vessels and food processing factories. Chefs with sufficient start-up money may become restaurant owners. The majority of chefs work in capital cities and in large country centres, particularly in areas where there are tourist resorts.

Expanded tourism has increased demand for highly skilled chefs, particularly in establishments of international standard. In large kitchens, chefs usually progress from commis chef to chef de partie, to sous chef, to chef de cuisine, to executive chef or food manager. Movement between employers within the industry may be required in order to gain experience and promotion.