How to become a chef

Get cooking!

To become a top-notch chef, if you’re starting without experience it helps to work from the bottom, building confidence as you work your way up. Just finished college? Working as a kitchen assistant is a great job for under 18s. You’ll get to build teamwork skills, learn how a kitchen operates and more.

If you’re an aspiring culinary enthusiast, then a chef apprenticeship is another great way to kicktsart your career in the kitchen. You’ll gain first-hand experience, and learn the magic of flavours, knife skills, culinary techniques, and how to turn a humble potato into a culinary masterpiece. Qualifications for a chef can vary, from a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery to a foundation degree in culinary arts at a university.

If you’re itching to get in the kitchen, apply to an entry-level job in a restaurant or gain experience in a summer job in the kitchen.

Spice up your skills

Just like adding a pinch of salt can transform a dish, honing your skills is the secret ingredient to success. Be curious and open to learning new techniques. And remember, practice makes perfect! So don't be afraid to invite your friends over and unleash your culinary creations on them (be prepared for brutally honest feedback!).

A chef apprenticeship is a great way to develop the skills you need to kick start your career, and earning as you learn is a massive bonus! Don’t just take it from us, learn how Ashea, Jack and Lauren made the most of their apprenticeships.

When you train to become a professional chef on one of our apprenticeships, we’ll help you master the menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! Plus, whether you’re a college student or on the hunt for a new career that fires you up, you’re never too old to do an apprenticeship.

Seek inspiration

If you’re a budding chef then it’s no surprise that one of your most important tools is your taste buds!

Like the brain or any part of your body, it’s important to exercise them. One of the most fun parts of working with food is trying it! At M&B you’ll get to master pre-set menus that are specially crafted to delight guests. And if you love dining out, you’ll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all of our brands when you join us.

Keep your tastebuds alert by trying different cuisines. Immerse yourself in cookbooks, food blogs, and cooking shows. Follow renowned chefs on social media for a daily dose of mouthwatering food inspo. 

Embrace failure (and burnt soufflés)

We can't sugarcoat it, but setbacks are a part of any culinary journey. Burnt soufflés, soggy pastries, and the occasional kitchen disasters will happen. Embrace them as valuable learning experiences. 

The kitchen is a wild, fiery space where pots and pans sizzle, and things can occasionally boil over. Being comfortable in the exciting hustle and bustle of a fast-paced kitchen is part of the process! Just remember to take a deep breath, dust off the flour, and keep pushing forward. Remember, even Michelin-starred chefs had their fair share of cooking calamities!

Rise to the occasion

Once you've gained some experience and confidence, it's time to spread your culinary wings and fly! Look for opportunities to lead a kitchen, be it as a sous chef, kitchen manager, or head chef. 

And don’t be afraid to be yourself and bring a big dash of your personality to the kitchen! Having a successful chef career isn’t just about food. Our kitchen assistants, chefs and kitchen managers don't come to work in an M&B kitchen just because they run like well-oiled machines. We love having fun together and enjoy an inclusive environment where everyone, including people like Ellie, are welcomed and supported in their career development.

Get ready to dice, slice, and sauté your way to glory!

Becoming a chef in the hospitality industry is an exhilarating and challenging journey. It requires dedication, a hunger for knowledge, and a dash of fearlessness. So, tie that apron tight, sharpen those knives, and get ready to embark on a tantalising adventure that will set taste buds dancing and keep guests coming through the doors!

If you’re ready to create magic in the kitchen, and let your passion for food take you to dizzying new heights, apply for kitchen jobs at M&B today. Bon appétit!