What does a Chef actually do?

The short version

Chefs cook for a living — from commis at the bottom of the brigade to head chef running the kitchen. It's one of the few careers where you can start with zero qualifications and reach the top on skill alone. It's also one of the hardest on your body and your social life.

The pitch: genuine craft, chronic staff shortages that work in your favour, and a clear climb to a £██–███K head chef salary. The catch: 45–55 hour weeks, split shifts, weekends forever, and entry pay that sits just above minimum wage — until tips and bundled perks do some of the repair work.

Entry routes that actually work

• Kitchen porter / commis chef — walk in, learn on the job, climb the brigade.
• College (Level 2–3 Professional Cookery) — fundamentals and hygiene grounding; kitchens still hire on attitude.
• Chef apprenticeship — earn while you train at commis or chef de partie level.