Commis Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship

This course is for those aspiring to a career as a chef in a fine dining setting, who would prefer to learn in a work-based environment. You can already be working in the sector or could be taking your first steps into your career.

A commis chef is the most common starting position in many kitchens. The commis chef prepares food and carries out basic cooking tasks under the supervision of a more senior chef, with the objective to learn and understand how to carry out functions in every section of the kitchen. The learning journey of any chef will vary considerably from one individual to the next, depending on where they are doing their apprenticeship.

On this apprenticeship you’ll learn the knowledge and skills required to become a commis chef whilst working in the sector. You will cover skills in cooking, working with people, food safety and business, and will use what you’ve learned from your workplace training and College sessions to demonstrate your learning to an end point assessor.

In addition, as part of The School of Food, you will also attend a range of masterclasses from visiting chefs who will pass on their expertise and knowledge. You will also get to cook in different settings including at a range of events and work with others in the sector to share skills and ideas and become confident working together in the kitchen.

You will also work towards either a Functional Skills Level 1 qualification in English and Maths, or Level 2 GCSEs, if you don’t already have them.

For entry onto this course, you will need to be working in the industry for a minimum of 30 hours per week. GCSE English and maths at grades 4-9 is desirable.

Alongside your work-based training, on this apprenticeship you will attend masterclasses at College once a week, which will combine classroom learning with practical sessions in the kitchen to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to complete your apprenticeship.

At the end of the two years, you will complete an end point assessment with an external assessor to gain your apprenticeship certificate. You will be assigned a work-based college trainer who will guide you through your apprenticeship in conjunction with your employer to help you pass this assessment.

After you complete this apprenticeship, you could move on to a Level 3 apprenticeship or progress into employment.

As a City of Bristol College apprentice, you may incur additional costs on your apprenticeship. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery, and for some apprenticeships you may need to purchase specialist equipment.