Chef Training

Properly training to be a chef is not an exact science, with many people doing it different ways. For example, world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal is completely self-taught, while others will spend years in college and working their way up the kitchen hierarchy.

The most traditional method of training is entering a culinary school course that can range anywhere from several months to several years. These programs will introduce the student to basic cooking methods, knife technique and kitchen vocabulary. During this stage of the training the new chef will learn how to work effectively in a kitchen dynamic, as well as develop a personal style.

Following graduation, the new chef will apprentice in a kitchen, often without pay or for very little. They will do the most menial tasks, but they will get to observe a working kitchen and experienced chefs. In this way, an aspiring chef will slowly work his or her way up the hierarchy, always keeping in mind that even executive chefs are in training as food preparation is always a learning experience.

Resources

ReluctantGourmet.com
Great advice on choosing the best cooking school
www.reluctantgourmet.com

The French Culinary Institute in New York
One of the country’s leading chef schools
www.frenchculinary.com