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Get qualified. Earn while you Learn.

Apprentice Chef smiling
Earn while you learn, 2 days per week of training, 3 days with your employer, 2 years programme duration
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts

Begin your career as a professional chef and gain practical skills through on and off the job training everything.

Earn while you learn with 2 days per week of training, and 3 days with your employer, and receive a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts.

National commis chef apprenticeship programme map of Ireland

The course is brilliant because you can combine college with working in the industry so you get the best of both worlds. If you undertake a full-time course you won’t gain the same experience and you won’t have the same exposure to professional kitchens

Apprentice

’I was a bit apprehensive before I started but I loved it from the very beginning. You learn so much in college but then you get to hone your skills even further at work. It has improved my confidence and been great for my professional development. I really feel that an apprenticeship is a great opportunity for young people who are leaving school and parents can rest assured that their children will be trained well.

Apprentice

You can work in any kitchen across the country and also down the line if you did want to travel, that qualification is recognised worldwide. The apprentices will leave with a real passion, love and appreciation for food.

Commis Chef Instructor

The Apprenticeship Programme is a blended learning environment. It’s a mix between practical and the kitchens itself underpinned by theoretical work with you in the classrooms. This is a QQI Level 6 qualification which is internationally recognised so it opens a lot of doors for the commis chefs

Commis Chef Instructor

The programme is developed by industry-experienced professional chefs who know and understand the challenges faced in professional kitchens. We work closely together and the ‘earn and learn’ approach we find is the one that suits our business the most. We continuously look for people who we encourage to take this course as we feel this is the most progressive one available to anyone serious about a career in a modern, professional kitchen.

Employer

Become an Apprentice Commis Chef

The Commis Chef Apprenticeship is aimed at aspiring chefs who have a keen interest in and a creative flair for cooking. As with all career choices, it’s advisable to find out as much as possible about the work of a professional chef before deciding if it is the right career for you.

Is this program right for you?

Typical qualities found in learners who are pursuing a career in Professional Cookery include:

  • Genuine passion for food
  • Enjoy working with a team
  • Can plan and work efficiently
  • Creativity

How do I qualify?

To become an apprentice, you must obtain employment in a SOLAS approved professional kitchen (i.e hotel, restaurant, catering). The employer must be approved by SOLAS to train apprentices and must register you as an apprentice.

Become an Employer

This programme consists of alternating phases of on the job and off the job training, which provides for the integration of the knowledge and skills acquired in the training setting with those gained in the workplace.

National Commis Chef

National Commis Chef

National Commis Chef

National Commis Chef

National Commis Chef

Apprenticeship Programme

Apprenticeship Programme

Apprenticeship Programme

Apprenticeship Programme

Apprenticeship Programme

Frequently asked questions

Is an Apprenticeship the same as a course?

No. An Apprenticeship is not a course. It is a contract of employment between SOLAS, the employer and the apprentice – with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases.

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer.

Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

Where do I start?

Start by doing some research. Find out what’s involved in an apprenticeship and then focus in on apprenticeship you’re thinking about.

Speak to people. Ask employers, qualified tradespersons and apprentices to help you find out more.

Get the advice of your parents/guardians, career guidance or adult guidance counsellor.

How do I get an Apprenticeship?

In order to secure an apprenticeship, you must first secure a contract with an employer.

Once you have found an employer to take you on as an apprentice, your employer must then register you as an apprentice with SOLAS.

The employer must be approved to train apprentices.

What are the entry requirements for the Commis Chef Apprenticeship?

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum education requirements are:

a qualification placed at Level 4 of the National Framework of Qualifications (a Pass Leaving Certificate),

OR

have at least three years trade related experience.

Applicants should have minimum requirements relating to general learning; including speaking, listening and communication skills, and self-organisation skills.

The following qualification will be accepted as indicating that these general learning requirements have been met:

  • A qualification placed at Level 4 of the National Framework of Qualifications Framework.
  • A minimum of 5 passes in a certificate placed at EQF Level 3 for holders of EU qualifications.
  • A minimum English language competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.

Is the Commis Chef Apprenticeship for me?

The Commis Chef Apprenticeship is aimed at aspiring chefs who have a keen interest in and a creative flair for cooking. Apprentices will possess the following attributes:

  • Genuine interest in food and latest food trends.
  • Ability to listen, take instruction and ask questions.
  • Enjoy high energy pace of work.
  • Good literacy, verbal and numeracy skills.
  • Ability to plan and prepare work.
  • Good hand/eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
  • Enjoy engaging with others throughout the working day.
  • Appreciate creativity.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What will I get paid?

For the Commis Chef apprenticeship, the employer pays an agreed Apprentice Rate or Salary for both on-the-job and off-the-job phases of the apprenticeship.  Apprentice’s terms and conditions of employment are agreed between each apprentice and their SOLAS approved employer.

Further details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

Where can I attend the Apprenticeship?

  • Kerry
  • Cork
  • Limerick
  • Tipperary
  • Kilkenny
  • Carlow
  • Kildare
  • Dublin
  • Sligo
  • Cavan
  • Galway

How am I assessed?

Apprentices are assessed on an ongoing basis throughout their apprenticeship.
Modular assessments take place during the off-the-job training phases. These assessments incorporate course work, standardised practical assessments and theoretical assessments.
During the on-the-job training phases, the apprentice’s competence is assessed by the employer.