An industry-led National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme that will provide young aspiring chefs in across the country with a two–year formal education and training programme to begin their careers as professional chefs, has been launched.
The programme, the only one of its kind in the country, is supported by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Euro-toques Ireland, Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI), Fáilte Ireland, SOLAS, Institutes of Technology (IOTs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs), including Cork ETB.
Over 110 places are available nationally initially and all those who have a keen interest in and a creative flair for cooking are encouraged to apply. The scheme is available to young people aged over 16 years, existing kitchen staff and anyone else who wishes to gain an internationally recognised qualification.
The structured two-year education and training programme incorporates periods of off-the-job knowledge and skills development in a college or centre with work-based knowledge and skills development in an approved hotel or restaurant kitchen.
Apprentices will develop the theory, science and culinary skills in a college or education and training centre and put these skills into practice under the mentorship of qualified and experienced chefs in the kitchens of SOLAS approved hotels and restaurants.
MAJOR AWARD
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, newly qualified Commis Chefs will receive a QQI Level 6 Major Award – Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts. They will also be eligible to progress to the Chef de Partie Apprenticeship at QQI level 7.
The programme, launched recently by Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, TD, will be delivered from seven Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationally, with up to 16 places available on each course.
