Why life as a chef really is sweet!
Ashortage of chefs could soon limit our opportunities to eat out. Nearly half of all skilled chef vacancies are becoming harder to fill, according to the UK Commission for employment and skills. there’s also a huge shortage of chefs de partie (junior chefs).
skills development agency People 1st says that by 2020 the country will require 11,000 new chefs — but half of catering colleges have seen enrolments drop.
It’s believed the prospect of a 70 to 80-hour working week spent in a hot kitchen might deter trainees. But chefs already in a job say they love the creativity the career offers. Will torrent, a 29-year- old chef specialising in chocolate, confectionery and patisserie, says: ‘My life was changed for ever by a week working with heston Blumenthal when I was at school.
‘I feel it’s important to choose a job that’s going to inspire and excite you, and food certainly does that. and as there’s a lack of skilled workers in the catering industry, especially pastry chefs, I would urge young people to try their hand as a foodie, especially on the sweet side.
‘any high street will show there are plenty of career paths, from working in a patisserie shop and creating handmade chocolates, to supervising photographic shoots or even running your own restaurant.’ recruiter reed.co.uk lists 1,342 chef
de partie vacancies and 138 for pastry chefs. salary comparison listings show average pay for pastry chefs increased by £2,416 last year, to reach £26,424. Pay for head chefs can reach £70,000 or more.
stephen scuffell, vice-president at the Craft guild of Chefs, says: ‘Chefs are highly sought after, so we’d recommend anyone with an interest in food and an appetite for hard work and results to consider a career in the industry.’
there are no fixed entry requirements for a career as a chef, but gCse maths and english will help. Look for apprenticeships that offer the chance to study for industryrecognised qualifications or sign up for a catering course.