About the course

Your learning journey will cover many aspects such as; maintaining a safe, hygienic and secure working environment, working effectively as part of a hospitality team, maintaining, handling and cleaning knives, maintaining food safety in a hospitality environment, and preparing, cooking and finishing a wide range of basic dishes.

Therefore, having the opportunity to experience, consider and value each section with a view to choosing an area where they feel most inspired. The learning journey of any chef will vary considerably from one individual to the next; however, it is necessary to understand and have experience in the basics that this role provides in order to progress to any future senior chef role.

Who is it for?

A commis chef is the most common starting position in many kitchens and in principal the most junior culinary role. A commis chef prepares food and carries out basic cooking tasks under the supervision of a more senior chef. The primary objective of the commis chef is to learn and understand how to carry out the basic functions in every section of the kitchen.

Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to be into a chef de partie or production chef role.

What does the qualification offer?

All of the training towards this qualification is ‘on the job’ within the workplace. To achieve an apprenticeship, you will need to build a portfolio of evidence via an e-portfolio system which shows that they are competent.

Our Training Officers will visit on a regular basis and carry out assessments while you, carry out your routine tasks at work. All work produced will be signposted so that employers/apprentices data will be fully protected. There will also be a knowledge element to all apprenticeships which can be generated through assessment, written questions or can be recorded digitally.

The Craft Cuisine option is completed by an Applied Ability Awards practical end test, judged independently by senior members of the British Food Trust and takes place at one of our test centres.

Entry requirements

If an apprentice has not already achieved Level 1 English and Maths they are expected to study for them and take the tests via our Essential skills program, which will develop and ultimately demonstrate the apprentices’ ability to use English and Maths.

Employers see these skills as essential, and by holding this qualification apprentices are showing they have the ability to apply them in work situations.

Length of Programme

Professional Cookery: 2 - 18 months

Craft Cuisine: 2 - 24 months