chef..how? where?

gubby

Simple enough question. how does one go about becoming a chef? I checked the failte ireland leaflet and it seems to be catering for hospitality staff. what i want is a pure chef course. can you get paid while you do it?

Smoggy

how about in the job training ?

I might know some places looking for a chef that will train you up as you work ? It wouldnt be lesson based more hands on, learn as you work.

Do you have any experience ?

Blinder

Is this what you were looking for?
http://www.ait.ie/courses/humanities/ncprocook.shtml

This is a two-year full-time course,*which trains students to a high standard in preparation for cookery careers in hotel and catering establishments.

Course Subjects

Food Safety, Nutrition, Cuisines of the World, Buffet Presentation, Pastry, Gastronomy, Catering Systems, Information Technology, Classical Cuisine, Global Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine, Healthy options, Menu Planning, Introduction to Business, Food Service, Communications.

A work placement in an approved setting ia mandatory in each year of the course.

* This course is also provided on a day-release basis for which applicants should apply directly to the institute

It's in Athlone IT, but might also be in other IT's around the country

SarahMc

National Cert in Professional Cookery is run throughout the country, and you get a training grant whilst you are doing it. Dowload the brochure from here http://www.failteireland.ie/content.asp?id=330

If you have loadsa dosh you could do the 12 week Ballymaloe course. http://www.cookingisfun.ie/

themadchef

to speak form experience i dont believe i have ever been asked for my papers (as they are called). you don't need diplomas or expensive degrees to be a chef unless you want to work with the very gorgeous gordon ramsey type chefs. All it's about is having a sound knowledge of food and basic hygiene cop on when you start as a commis chef level 1. if you have that then you get your foot on ladder and work your way up. if you are fast on your feet find a good chef to take you under his/her wing and show you basics. you can of course do the course pay the fees and still start in the same spot. in my experience papers dont mean a thing its only when you get to see someone in action in the kitchen will you know if they can cut it.

being a chef is fantastic, but trust me you need thick skin and need to stand your ground and roll with the punces when you cant. if you need any more info send me a PM and i will do my best to help, best of luck

Lemlin

I know a few people did a Chef course in Killybegs in Donegal. Its a small college (about 200 students I believe) but its great craic. I was down there a few times.