The Chefs Apprentice
The National Commis Chef Apprenticeship is a two-year programme delivered through training providers nationwide, and consists of a combination of on and off the job training. The apprenticeship aims to address the current shortage of chefs in Ireland and establish a long term supply of qualified chefs within the hospitality and catering industries.
The apprenticeship is an employer led programme with over 60% of the training time on the job in a live working environment. It leads to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The Commis Chef apprenticeship programme was officially launched at the end of 2017, with support from industry partners including 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) and Fáilte Ireland. The programme is already running in ten locations and further classes are being planned for 2019.
Benefits of the programme
• On completion of the programme the apprentice will be a fully qualified Commis Chef, providing them with a range of employment opportunities
• The apprentice is employed under a full time contract of employment while in training, allowing them to earn while they learn
• The apprentice will gain valuable on the job experience and get the opportunity to enrich their skills through practice with their employer
• The apprentice will train under the guidance of a suitably qualified and experienced employer based mentor
• There are no course fees, and the apprentice is provided with a uniform, equipment and essential texts for the programme
• The qualification is internationally recognised
• Upon qualification, the apprentice will have the choice to progress to further education, or to enter employment as a Commis Chef
Entry Criteria
Applicants for the apprenticeship must be 16 years or older.
Minimum entry qualification requirement is an award at Level 4 on the NFQ including a D in Junior Certificate Maths.
You will be required to work as a Commis Chef apprentice with an employer during two years of the programme. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will also be accepted as part of the entry criteria.
Further Information
Please contact Ioseph Nestor, National Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator at Kerry ETB on 066-7149600 or inestor@kerryetbtrainingcentre.ie if you would like further information or to enquire about upcoming classes.
