Looking to train as a Commis Chef

kevundo

I am trying to find the best way to go about becoming a commis chef. I am 31, I know 31, but i have giving it a lot of taught & its something I really want to do. I am a plumber by trade & have been in & out of work the last few years. I dont really see much of a future for me as a plumber as I dont really want to be working at it in years to come.

I know I would have to start all over again, the money would not be great to start with, long unsociable hours, constantly under pressure, etc. None of which bothers me. I would say I am fairly decent in the kitchen & have always had a passion for food.

If anybody has any advice on the best way to go about this it would be very much appreciated.

Cheers.

foxy06

My advice to you is to start at the bottom. This will be very tough for someone of your age (not that 31 is old!) probably taking a massive pay cut and to work very long hours. The hardest thing will be getting in the door somewhere and to do that you need a cv with a covering letter explaining your desire to become a chef and willingness to start from the bottom and work your way up, maybe adding in some of your ideas and dishes you 'specialise' in.

It was only a few months ago I read in one of the catering mags that most hotels in Ireland are finding it impossible to get good chefs so there is a market there for someone with chef skills.

If you have anyone at all you know that works in the catering/hotel/restaurant trade see if they can get you an interview so you can sell yourself.

Best of luck

kevundo

Cheers for the advice. I do intend on starting at the the bottom, but as you said i think trying to get in anywhere is going to be the hard part. The pay cut i am not worried about I spent most of last year on the dole which also gave me a lot of time to think about what i want to do. The long hours also not a problem.

I have been ringing around a lot of restaurants the last few days & two have them have told me to call by next week for a chat. Most of the people I have been on to have been helpful so hopefully I can get my foot in somewhere.

I was also thinking of offering to work a week for free to see if they would be willing to give me a chance.

foxy06

Well you have the right attitude so I cant see you having much of a problem. Hope it goes well for you

kevundo

Cheers!

NEADYM

Hi Kevundo. I'm looking to change careers and go back and re-train as a chef. Was doing a bit of research on this and came across your thread. Just wondering how did you get on with securing a commis chef position? I've been thinking about offering to work for free as a way of getting in the door of a restaurant and see you were thinking of doing the same thing yourself. Very curious to know how you got on! Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!! Cheers.

sawdoubters

do side jobs as a plumber

drop cards in doors,you can get cheap cards printed in uk

lots people need plumbers