What does the job involve?
The role of Commis Chef is the starting position for a career in hotel and restaurant kitchens.
Job titles and responsibilities vary. Generally, you'll do the preparation work and basic cooking, under the supervision of more experienced chefs. Sometimes there is minimum preparation, but this does not diminish the skill required to produce a perfectly cooked, well-presented dish.
The type of cooking will depend on the style of hotel, what sort of menu is offered to guests, and the prices they pay.
Key responsibilities
Important areas of work for a Commis Chef include:
- maintaining high standards of hygiene and accuracy in measuring dish ingredients and portion sizes
- dealing with deliveries, stock rotation and requesting stock.
What skills do I need?
Ideally, you should move around the different areas of the kitchen to get the widest possible experience before you consider specialising, for example, in pastry work.
What qualifications do I need?
Catering colleges are the best place to prepare for a job in the kitchen. There are many courses to choose from around the country. If you're not able to take up a formal course, there are still plenty of opportunities to work your way up. You could start as a Kitchen Attendant and apply for any training your employer can offer.
Is it the right job for me?
If you're looking for a career in hotel and restaurant kitchens, the role of Commis Chef is a good place to start. You'll gain experience of different styles of cooking, allowing you to choose what to specialise in as you progress to the next level.