The hospitality industry offers a whole host of benefits, not least the ability to work in the kitchen, serve guests and create stunning dishes. Whether you want to become a breakfast chef, work as a head chef or even become a front of house manager, there are lots of things that you need to take into consideration, and so below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.
Gaining experience
One of the first things that you need to take into account is gaining experience in the industry, and remembering that if you want to become a head chef at a reputable establishment, you’ll need more than a qualification.
Indeed, real-world experience is vital in the hospitality industry, and so starting as soon as you can makes sense.
If you’re still in your teens, then look for work experience in your local cafe or restaurant, and if you’re older, then consider temporary cheffing jobs to give you the experience you need to secure a full-time permanent position. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll find success.
Understanding salaries
In the United Kingdom, the average kitchen chef earns around £7.48 per hour, but as a head chef, you can expect to earn closer to £30,000 per year. If you’re your own boss, then your earning potential is endless; if you’re not, you can still expect to earn tips, bonuses, overtime, and even become a part of profit sharing schemes depending on your experience and the demands of the job.
It’s important to note that as an entry-level chef or kitchen hand, you won’t break the bank, but there are opportunities to get ahead and earn some serious money with the right skills.
Finding a job
Once you’ve decided that the hospitality industry is right for you, you should consider working with a chef recruitment agency who can help you to secure employment. Indeed, it is possible to find a job on your own, but some restaurants, hotels, and pubs only advertise vacancies through recruitment agencies, and so having a contact will help you find roles that are best suited to your skill set.
What’s more, if you’re only able to take on temporary work, being able to find new opportunities as and when required will allow you to work full-time.
Working away from home
In the world of hospitality, you may not always be able to secure employment close to home, so being flexible will allow you to find employment and new opportunities. That’s not to say you have to work in another city, but being able to will help you.
Be open-minded about where you can work, and bear in mind that many roles offer live-in accommodation as part of a compensation package, which can make it easier to up sticks and move somewhere new.
Meeting industry demands
Finally, you should know that the hospitality industry is ever-changing, and as such, you must be prepared to change the way you do things. Indeed, automation is one of the biggest changes in the world of hospitality – in some countries, drinks are poured out by a machine, and robots are kneading pizza dough rather than chefs.
Sure, some of these changes will mean fewer jobs within the industry, but being on top of your skills will ensure you remain employable. Read news outlets like The Caterer and Big Hospitality to stay on the ball.
There’s no denying that working in hospitality can be challenging, but with the right attitude and hard work, you can become the world’s next big thing in food. Whatever you decide to do, we wish you the very best of luck!