How can i become a private chef?

How do I become a Chef?

• Hi, I'm an 18-year old girl, I left school without a single GCSE two years ago. I haven't had a single job since or been to college. My dream job is to be a Chef, I know it's not going to happen anytime soon, but I was wondering, how do I go about becoming one, or are any chances already slashed completely? What qualifications must I possess and how do I go about getting them? The courses at my local college cost a bomb and there's no way I could have enough money to pay for one (at least not for a VERY long time until I save up). I'm 19 in September so I'd have to pay for any courses. What about apprenticeships, are they better and how do they work? What about the job itself, how stressful is it really and how much is the average wage? Is it easy to get employed? I haven't even got my basic Maths and English GCSEs yet, how can I get them? The courses to take them at college cost to much and they wouldn't let me take them for free. Would appreciate an honest answer, thanks. X

• Answer:

  Honestly, I think you really need that Maths and English GCSE and maybe a Food Tech as well, it can help you greatly with future employment. Because, you haven't got the qualification, it'll be quite hard finding a job to pay for the courses but try and search around again, even if the pay is quite low, it's better than nothing. Maybe, borrow some money and pay it back later. You'll need training in order to become a chef, so if there are any affordable culinary courses at your college, go for it. Look around for some Apprenticeships as well. It is basically training, and you learn all kinds of things about the trade you want to go into. You also get paid while you are being trained, so you're basically being paid to learn :L Some apprenticeships als offer a job placement at the end of it if you've done well. The wage can vary depending on how long you've been working, where you're working at, your position as a chef. The job would be pretty stressful and your timing would have to be really good. Again, employment varies depending on your location, and your qualifications/skill. http://www.chefjobs.co.uk/chef_salary_checker/ I'm not sure if you need GCSEs to do an apprenticeships, if not then I would do this first and also get a Maths and English GCSE (you never know what might happen so you'll need these at the least).