Chef

Chefs are responsible for cooking food and making sure people have highly nutritious, and high-quality food.

You will play a vital role in ensuring the nutritional well-being of people eating your food. You will prepare and cook meals that follow specific dietary requirements and health guidelines. The food has to meet people’s medical and cultural needs including, for example, gluten free, low fat, soft food, halal and vegetarian.

Chef is also known as Catering Assistant, Kitchen Assistant, Cook.

Role Characteristics

Plan meals or menus that follow people’s medical and cultural needs
Prepare ingredients and cook food
Use kitchen equipment such as mixers or blenders
Store and label food correctly, adhering to health and safety guidelines
Keep kitchen and serving areas clean
Serve meals and clear tables of food

Skills

Customer service
Following instructions
Operating equipment
Planning
Record keeping
Team work

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about food services in care homes.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

An apprenticeship

How to become

There are no set entry requirements to become a Chef, but employers will expect a good standard of English and maths.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths, or equivalent.
You will normally need a college catering qualification. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience, Chefs can become team leaders, supervising the work of a team of assistants. With further experience and qualifications, you can progress to become Catering Managers.