How become a chef?
Five Steps to a New Career
- Step One - Graduating from High School: A high school diploma isn't required to become a cook, but it will prove beneficial to a forward-thinking student. To advance in the field, a diploma is a necessary educational foundation upon which one may build.
- Step Two - Getting an Internship: Restaurant and hotel chains, as well as food service management companies, often offer summer jobs or internships to beginners in the field. These opportunities provide aspiring cooks with basic experience and may also put them on the path to other training programs.
- Step Three - On-the-Job Training: The essential skills one needs to become a cook can only be learned via hands-on experience. Landing an entry-level position--as a food preparation worker, short-order or fast-food cook--is a good place to start; it may be possible to advance to the position of line or assistant cook after a period of time.
- Step Four - Completing a Vocational Program: For advanced positions in cooking, employers prefer to hire applicants with some level of postsecondary education. Trade-school or vocational programs, which may last from a few months to a few years, provide cooks with basic training in techniques such as broiling and baking, as well as lessons in food sanitation.
- Step Five - Going to Culinary School: To become a top-level cook or chef with the skills necessary to work in upscale restaurants, hotels and other institutions, one must consider going to culinary school. A 2- or 4-year degree in the culinary arts provides aspirants with training in advanced cooking methods, menu planning and nutrition, among other subjects, and also often matches students with apprenticeship opportunities in fine-dining locales.
Taken from http://education-portal.com/how_to_become_a_cook.html