Program Overview

COMMIS CHEF APPRENTICESHIP

Level 2

Course Level

Level 2

Duration

14 months

Entry

September, January, April

Overview

Are you interested in a career in catering and hospitality? If you are currently employed in catering and want to boost your knowledge, or if you simply have a passion for food and want to work in a kitchen team, our Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship will provide you with the foundation of skills you need to start your culinary journey.

A commis chef is the most common starting position as a junior chef, following directions from a senior chef to ensure dishes are produced to order and time. They are responsible for implementing hygiene, health and safety, and food safety legislation procedures, as well as stock control, stock rotation and use, and food safety. They are also responsible for the safe and efficient handling and use of specialist kitchen tools and equipment.

During this course, you will learn all aspects of basic culinary preparation, cooking and finishing while incorporating traditional and modern techniques that increase employability, skills, knowledge and behaviours. The course covers meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, pasta and rice, eggs, pastry, and hot and cold desserts, along with modules on food safety, business and people.

Why choose this apprenticeship?

• BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Learn essential culinary skills studying in our state-of-the-art kitchens and restaurant facilities on campus before applying your training to industry
• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Gain valuable experience working at high-end establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants
• ENRICHMENT – Apprentices will have the opportunity to undertake vital enrichment opportunities such as competing in culinary competitions.
• PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – After your apprenticeship, you can move onto our Chef de Partie apprenticeship

Our facilities

University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food industry training facilities. As an apprentice commis chef studying with us, you will have access to our professional standard kitchens, award-winning training restaurant and other cutting-edge facilities.

• Designed with the help of the food industry, our Food Science and Innovation Suite features the latest food testing and diagnostic technology alongside state-of-the-art development kitchen facilities
• Our industry standard kitchens provide a real-time working environment for students on our food courses to develop their skills
• The kitchens are also used regularly for prestigious competitions, including Michel Roux Jr’s annual scholarship contest
• Open to the public, our award-winning restaurant on campus – Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food – will arm you with hands-on skills, from serving fast food to silver service

Key information

Entry requirements

English and maths at Grade 4 /C or above would be beneficial, but functional skills can be studied alongside the main aim apprenticeship.

Teaching and assessment

The Commis Chef course is a weekly day release programme during term time here at the University. All apprentices need to be working in a suitable environment that can cover the criteria of the qualification. We can give you guidance on this. All apprentices go forward to an end point assessment at the end of the study programme.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Fees

As an apprentice, you won’t need to pay tuition fees. Both your employer and the government will cover these costs for you. This extends to degree apprenticeships as well, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and academic qualifications without tuition expenses.

You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.

Awards

University College Birmingham took home the top prize of Hospitality and Catering Provider of the Year at the nationally-recognised AAC Apprenticeship Awards.

University College Birmingham has almost 700 apprentices in a variety of different sectors and disciplines across the whole of the UK, and continues to champion the role apprenticeships can play in tackling the skills gap both in the region and beyond.