In this article

What it takes Have the passion Getting started

Know the basics Training and qualifications

Mature entrants Essential research

If you're 16 years of age or older, you can apply for a Modern Apprenticeship. You'll get practical experience in a job and gain a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) after around three years' work. The Scottish equivalent is a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).

Alternatively, you can study full-time at a further education college or chef training school. There are a number of City & Guilds qualifications at varying levels, aimed at those who want to work in professional kitchens and food outlets.

Make sure you’re signing up for a course that suits you and your long-term goals.

Before you sign up for any course, however, it's well worth asking questions about what you’ll be taught, who will be teaching you and how other people gaining the qualification in question fared. Make sure you’re signing up for a course that suits you and your long-term goals.

Unfortunately, chef apprenticeships, like many training schemes in other professions, are still geared to the under-25s. Take heart though. There's nothing to say you can't cook professionally without qualifications. If you're happier to have one, you can still study for an NVQ/SVQ, but you or your employer will need to fund it. If you are unemployed, ask at your local Jobcentre about work schemes.

Your local careers service will have more detailed information on finding jobs, schemes and courses in food preparation and catering. Doing some initial ‘homework’ on your own is advisable, however. Here are some useful organisations that can help with your research.

• City & Guilds has details of more than 400 qualifications.
• The Hospitality Training Foundation has a helpline from which you can get a list of chef schools.
• The Learning and Skills Council, which aims to make England better skilled and more competitive, has information on culinary programmes.
• There are several websites that make useful starting points for finding out more about Modern Apprenticeships. Scottish Enterprise has information on Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. ELWa has information on Modern Apprenticeships in Wales. In Northern Ireland, the Department for Employment & Learning has information on Modern Apprenticeships.
• The NVQ website has information on the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in England.
• The Scottish Qualifications Agency has information on the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).
• Springboard UK offers careers advice, events and a college finder for hospitality jobs.
• The Vegetarian Society has details of the Cordon Vert Diploma for meat-free cookery.