Becoming a chef - financial worries?

PonyLuv

Hi all,

I am a 25 year old female with a BA currently working fulltime in the gaming industry. For a number of years now I've dreamed of becoming a chef. I know there has been a lot of posts on here about becoming a chef and how to go about it but my worry is from more of a financial aspect. As far as I know Failte Ireland pay for the tuiton costs incurred in studying Culinary Arts but because I have already completed a level 8 degree as far as I know I would not be eligible to receive any grant of any kind in undertaking a course below that level. I am more than happy to work, I've always had a job and to be honest I don't really have any family that can help out from a financial respect anyhow. I just dont know how I can afford to pay rent/bills on a part time (probably minimum in these times) wage. I understand that the course is approx 30 hrs per week meaning a full time role would be next to near impossible. I'm wondering if anyone else found themselves in a similar situation previously and if so how they managed/overcame it? Any help that anyone could provide would be sincerely welcomed

Mr Simpson

Have you ever worked in a Kitchen. People have such romantic ideas about cheffing. The reality is the moneys not great and the hours are sh/te.

Sorry for being negative, but it might be worth trying to get a bit of experience first to see if you like it

PonyLuv

Hi MarkMc,

I definately get where youre coming from. I worked front of house for many years before my current role aswell as stepping in on the more menial jobs in the kitchen when required. I also have some catering experience.

Thanks

Mr Simpson

Once you know what you're getting yourself into

I didn't do Culinary Arts myself, I did Culinary Entrepreneurship in Cathal Brugha Street, a bit more front of house based (lots of kitchen stuff too though) but a great course if you want to open your own business.

monty_python

PonyLuv wrote: »

Hi all,

I am a 25 year old female with a BA currently working fulltime in the gaming industry. For a number of years now I've dreamed of becoming a chef. I know there has been a lot of posts on here about becoming a chef and how to go about it but my worry is from more of a financial aspect. As far as I know Failte Ireland pay for the tuiton costs incurred in studying Culinary Arts but because I have already completed a level 8 degree as far as I know I would not be eligible to receive any grant of any kind in undertaking a course below that level. I am more than happy to work, I've always had a job and to be honest I don't really have any family that can help out from a financial respect anyhow. I just dont know how I can afford to pay rent/bills on a part time (probably minimum in these times) wage. I understand that the course is approx 30 hrs per week meaning a full time role would be next to near impossible. I'm wondering if anyone else found themselves in a similar situation previously and if so how they managed/overcame it? Any help that anyone could provide would be sincerely welcomed

professional cookery is one day a week

hdowney

Isn't that only when you are already working professionally in a kitchen? It is like they see that you are getting the hands on experience so don't need to be in the class all the time?

monty_python

hdowney wrote: »

Isn't that only when you are already working professionally in a kitchen? It is like they see that you are getting the hands on experience so don't need to be in the class all the time?

yes, you need to be working as a chef to do it but its a way of earning money while getting your qualifications

hdowney

I don't think the op is though, so they'd be looking at the full culinary arts programme. The full time school with work exp programme I think

monty_python

but she has stated money constraints as a concern.
best thing for her to do is try get a job in a kitchen and start from there

hdowney

This is a very good point. If she could get into a kitchen it'd be a good grounding and then she could do the Professional Cookery one. That'd be a good start into the industry alright

Vego

Well have you factored in for a set of chefs knives ..chef whites shoes pants hats all while on minimum wage ..long long hours ..working when sick. hungover etc ..are you prepared for burns, cuts, blisters ,dry skin , oily skin are you prepared to clean a kitchen week after week top to toe even if they have kps ? all this ontop of maybe college probably in a place that will make you use one of your days off as a college day ?