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With the introduction of shows such as Australia’s Master Chef, more people, young and old, have a new found interest in Chef Apprenticeships. What looks like fun and delicious on television does not necessarily show the real life experiences of a chef or an apprentice chef for that matter. If you have managed to secure such a position, congratulations. But now comes the tough part- the apprenticeship itself. By doing a few simple things, you will soon become an acclaimed Chef with your own restaurant.

Just like a carpenter, a Chef must take pride in his or her tools. Buy high quality knives. Good tools last in the long run and you won’t have to waste your time buying new ones every year. Also, always carry a spoon with you. Cooking is not about learning the list of ingredients that make a recipe. Rather, it is about tasting the creation time after time and knowing what it needs. A Chef’s taste buds are his/her most important tool in the kitchen. You should use this time to develop them and understand the flavour of as many ingredients as possible.

As with any profession, research is an important development tool. Subscribe to current food magazines to learn the latest techniques and buy cookbooks to learn classic recipes. Then, buy your own notebook and protect it with your life. Write down any ideas you may have—the recipes can be original or variations on what you have learned. This will come in handy later in your career when you open your own restaurant.

Do not rush into your own kitchen after you have finished your studies. Before you open your own restaurant, go overseas. Learn a cooking style different from what you have been trained in and learn it where it began. With your four- year apprenticeship finished you will be able to understand how it is cooked but you may not understand why it is cooked that way and the culture surrounding a dish. Knowing the full story is what will make you a great Chef.

Finally, take a course or maybe five courses about wine appreciation during your apprenticeship. Not only will this help develop your taste buds, but allow you to pair wines with your dishes. Wine can often be the centre of the meal with the dishes being second, and being able to provide courses that can be easily paired will make the experience ever so much better for the diner.

Most importantly, pay attention, ask questions, and learn as much as you can during your apprenticeship. Nothing is ever too basic; cooking is all about the fundamentals. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Image by N A I T