Define Apprentice Chef
An apprentice chef is a chef in training. This type of chef is a student in the kitchen that takes directions and instructions from another chef. An apprentice chef is usually watched closely and learns to run the kitchen on their own. An apprentice chef can be a student in a culinary program or a recent graduate of a culinary program.
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Education
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An apprentice chef earns certification from a culinary trade school or a traditional university. Programs range from eight months to four years. While in a culinary arts program, the chef in training learns the proper way to cut, cook and mix recipes. It is also possible for a chef in training to focus on a specialty like pastry or seafood. The classes also have some traditional lectures and teach the students managerial skills in the kitchen. Registration and training is required through the state the apprentice chef is working in.
Function
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On the job, the apprentice chef must listen to and learn from her mentor. The mentor provides on the job training and coaching to the apprentice chef. For example, if the head chef gives the apprentice the task of cooking the dinner selection at a restaurant, the apprentice chef must complete the task exactly as requested. The apprentice chef can also serve as an assistant to the head chef and shadow her every move in order to learn how to do the job.
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History
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Apprentice chef programs were created to help a new chef learn his way around the kitchen from an experienced professional. These programs are intended to raise the quality of the culinary professional and allow the new chef to be relieved of the burden of learning alone. The programs are offered at trade schools and universities. The timing for each program varies. Some of the classroom training differs by specialty.
Misconceptions
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The apprentice chef is not allowed to manage the kitchen on his own. The apprentice is treated as a student and does not have the power of the head chef. He is not allowed to hire, fire or manage the kitchen staff. During the apprenticeship, he becomes part of the team and has his own set of regular assignments from the head chef.
Benefits
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The effects of these programs have allowed restaurants to find new talent for chef replacements and give the apprentice chef an opportunity to learn what type of work situation she prefers. It also helps the student learn what types of meals she likes to cook and figure out what her future career goals may be. There is no limit to where the apprentice chef can choose to complete the apprenticeship. The apprentice chef can choose to learn in a traditional restaurant, hotel, cruise ship or private club.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit in the kitchen image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
