Commis Chef Apprenticeship

Course information

A commis chef is the most common starting position in many kitchens and is, in principle, the most junior culinary role.

A commis chef prepares food and carries out basic cooking tasks under the supervision of a more senior chef.

The primary objective of the commis chef is to learn and understand how to carry out the basic functions in every section of the kitchen. Therefore having the opportunity to experience, consider and value each section with a view to choosing an area where they feel most inspired.

The learning journey of any chef will vary from one chef to the next but should always allow an apprentice to understand and have experience in the basics the role provides in order to progress to any future senior chef role.

State of the art facilities, expert staff and fantastic industry links are all utilised to offer an exciting and dynamic experience.

What You Will Learn

Emphasis is on culinary skills and preparing and cooking a range of commodities including: fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, game, offal, vegetables, stock, sauces, soup, bread and dough, pastry, cakes, and hot and cold desserts.

Other knowledge covered includes:

- how seasonality impacts availability, quality and price of ingredients
- basic costing and yield of dishes and the meaning of gross profit
- storing, preparing and cooking ingredients to maintain quality, in line with food safety legislation
- professional behaviours and organisational culture
- understanding the basic costing and yield of dishes and the meaning of gross profit
- how to support team members.

Core behaviours include: a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Entry Requirements

Must have maths and English (Level 1) and take the test for Level 2.

Assessment

EPA is the final stage that an apprentice goes through to complete their apprenticeship. The apprentice must demonstrate their learning to an independent end-point assessor. There are four assessment events for this standard and the professional discussion must be the last one completed. On-demand test A 90-minute, on demand, multiple choice test, comprised of scenario-based questions. Practical observation A three-hour observation of the apprentice in an operational kitchen environment, producing food to standard. The test will be split to cover preparation and service. Culinary challenge observation A two-hour observation in a controlled environment. The apprentice must produce a main course from the organisation’s menu and a dessert that reflects customer demand and/or seasonality. Professional discussion A 40-minute discussion focusing on the log of recipes produced to demonstrate competence across the culinary range.

Progression

Once you’ve finished the Apprenticeship level 2, there are many opportunities available to you, you’ll have a real understanding of the basic functions in every section of the kitchen and be ready to progress either to a senior chef role in industry or on to continue your studies in the form of the Chef de Partie Apprenticeship level 3 or any other level 3 courses within the Hospitality department.

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our St Austell campus

Events

Open Event at Bicton College

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University

• Dates
  18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  26th April 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  

Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses and meet our amazing team at one of our Open Days!  View Event

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University

• Dates
  8th February 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  8th May 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  

Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses and meet our amazing team at one of our Open Events! View Event