How To Get A Job As A Certified Sous Chef
Certified Sous Chefs could be said to be “Executive Chefs in Training”. They work in hotels restaurants, hospitals, the armed forces, and anywhere else that food is well-prepared, and well-served. They may be the only Sous Chef employed, or they may work with several others. All Sous Chefs work as part of a team. There are excellent employment opportunities available for qualified Certified Sous Chefs.
Certified Sous Chefs work under the direction of Executive Chefs. These Chefs must be well versed in all aspects of food preparation and service. They begin work long before the first meal is served and will probably be the last to leave the workplace after the last meal is over. Successful Certified Sous Chefs must be dedicated to their craft. They must be hard-working, detail oriented, meticulous, well organized and innovative. The sense of taste and of smell of these Chefs must be superior. They must also have a good eye for the final appearance of the dishes they will serve.
Certified Sous Chefs work long hours, any and all days of the week, including holidays.
Certified Sous Chefs have many duties and responsibilities. When they arrive at work, usually in the early hours of the morning, they first review the menus of the day as prepared by the Executive Chef, and check that there are all the supplies needed for the day. They inventory and order supplies, estimate food needed for each service, supervise kitchen staff, and assist in food preparation. As soon as one service is completed, preparation for the next will begin. Certified sous Chefs lead other staff ensuring that the kitchen is kept spotless, and all the directions of the Executive Chef are followed exactly. These Chefs must be able to adapt menus to serve all tastes and needs, including low fat, low salt, kosher, diabetic vegetarian, and vegan.
Education
Those wishing to become Cert9ified Sous Chefs should get all the experience they can in the preparation and serving of food. Summer or part-time jobs in the service industry would be an excellent way to start. Make use of every opportunity to learn about food, and every opportunity to practice preparing food for friends and family.
You will need to obtain a high school degree or GED. Some high schools and vocational schools have courses in food safety and handling. Take any of these available. Some colleges offer two and four year degree courses in culinary arts. Either enroll in one of these degree course or a reputable Culinary Arts School.
Before you reach any final decision on a Culinary School, if possible, speak to an Executive Chef in your area and obtain their opinion on any training course you are considering.
After you have your Culinary Education, it is wise to gain certification as it is a testament to both your knowledge and skill. Not all Sous Chefs are certified, but it is preferred. Certification has minimum education and training requirements. After meeting these requirements you will need to pass both a written and a practical exam.
After becoming a Certified Sous Chef, the next step is to get the required education and experience and advance to become an Executive Chef.
