Being a chef is not an easy job: you will be working long hours, on your feet, in high-pressure situations. Whether you are a head chef or a cook focusing on just a few dishes, you will be held responsible for the quality of the food.
This means that you need to be able to cope with constant pressure and high standards and, of course, you will need a real passion for food.
Becoming a chef is as much down to your studies as it is to you having practical experience; many successful chefs have had no formal training, instead learning the craft through in-service training and practical experience.
However, starting off with some studying is never a bad idea, and there are plenty of training providers in South Africa that offer the courses you would need.
From the Swiss Hotel School's 4 year programme to Intec's professional cookery courses, there's a training programme to suit everyone's needs. Check out the links at the bottom of this article for information on some of the options available to you!
What subjects do I need to take in order to become a chef?
Each institution has its own requirements (or they might not have any specific subject requirements!) but here's a good list of subjects to have:
- Hospitality Studies
- Physical Science
- Mathematics
- Consumer Studies
Again, check with the institution of your choice to find out what their requirements are.
List of institutions to study at to become a Chef in South Africa.
