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In the culinary world, there are several career opportunities to get you involved in the profession. The profession of a commis chef is one of them. This professional would give you an excellent breakthrough into the world of cooking and professionalism. But, you must be wondering, what is a commis chef or who is a commis chef? Therefore, this article will answer all the questions related to this profession and give you career guidelines and advice to excel in the culinary world.
What is a Commis Chef?
A commis chef is one who is also known as a junior chef. They might have just finished their culinary training and are about to start their cooking career. Unlike sous chefs, they learn to operate in all sections of the kitchen area, such as cooking, cutting, baking, etc. They usually work under the supervision of an experienced chef. Since they are new to the profession, they are assumed to be slightly professionally inexperienced, just like any other new professionals. Therefore, they get trained in different sectors of kitchen responsibilities and operations one by one.
Since you are in the culinary industry, you always need to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. Probably, this is why the uniform for all the chefs are white. Also, the colour white represents purity and cleanliness. So, the most crucial thing for any chef is to maintain personal and professional hygiene and safety. There can be any kitchen type of kitchen hazards and mishappens. Such as touching a hot surface, accidentally touching a sharp object or any harmful chemicals with bare hands.
Some commis chefs may have finished their culinary qualification, whereas some are in the process of completing it. In addition, some chefs would join as commis chefs to achieve a professional internship for their course. Also, many renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, Alain Ducasse, Yannick Alléno, and many others have started their culinary careers from being commis chefs. Thus, the role of a commis chef is more like a stepping stone into the culinary world.
Most importantly, since this profession is diverse, you can learn from everyone working in the kitchen. Because ultimately, the next career progression for a commis chef is either as a chef de partie (section chef) or a head chef.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Commis Chef
Since we now know ‘what is a commis chef’, let us now see what do they do. The duties and responsibilities of a commis chef vary depending on their experience level and the quality of their work. However, some typical and daily duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Assist the head chefs in preparing the food. This includes cutting vegetables, rinsing the ingredients, defrosting meat, etc.
- Learn the cooking fundamentals. This includes knife skills, cutting techniques, etc. This also involves understanding the basic cuts. For example- chopping, dicing, julienne, and chiffonade.
- Some dishes require more preparation and time than others. So, commis chefs are responsible for cooking and preparing the elements as are necessary for a top-quality dish.
- Preparing or sautéing meat or vegetables with broth or spices, as suggested by the head chef. They also learn how to prepare different cuts of meat and various types of vegetables in this process. Some meat portions take more time than others to get properly cooked, same as some vegetables.
- Assisting any chef if they require your assistance. This can be any chef in the kitchen- a sous chef or a head chef.
- Restaurants have many deliveries coming in, so commis chefs are asked to arrange the meals for delivery.
- Restocking any items in the pantry. This would ensure no work delays and customers don’t have to wait too long for food to arrive.
- Making pre-cooked items such as sauces, dips, curry base, etc.
- Cleaning the kitchen or the cooking area during and after a shift.
- Contributing to maintain kitchen and food safety standards according to the government law regarding food safety and preparation. For example, check the expiry dates for items, throw away food stored for a long time and replace them, identify any health hazards, etc.
Potential Employers
As a commis chef, you will be able to find many job opportunities both locally and internationally. Some examples of your potential employers include the following:
- Hotels, Bars, or Pubs.
- Educational Institutions.
- Chain or Award-Winning Restaurants.
- Army or Navy Bases.
- Contractual Work.
- Cafeterias.
You could either go to different places and drop your CV if they are hiring or apply online through various websites or the restaurant’s own website. Some of the top job-seeking sites in the UK include- Indeed, Caterer.com, Monster.co.uk, and many more.
Why Should You Become a Commis Chef?
Initially, a commis chef usually does the most annoying and basic kitchen tasks such as passing the items, peeling potatoes, mixing the ingredients, etc. But, as they start gaining more and more experience, their duties state getting more advanced. Therefore, you can learn a lot of things by being a commis chef. From cutting vegetables to making a delicious and picture-perfect meal, you can ace it all over time.
We know by now what is a commis chef and what they do. But, you must be thinking what are the perks and benefits if you become one. First of all, If you are a passionate individual and always look for ways to develop yourself and your skills, the culinary industry would be an excellent fit for you. It would open up tons of opportunities for skill development and knowledge enhancement. The roles in the culinary industry are versatile too. After you start your career as a commis chef, you can progress further into the role of a Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, or even a Head Chef.
Flexible Shifts
It is essential to find the perfect balance of personal and professional life. Therefore, as a Commis Chef, your work hours are pretty flexible. The shifts would not only be restricted from 9-5. It includes day shifts, night shifts, evening shifts as well as weekend shifts. So, if you have any family commitments, you can efficiently work around your shift. Thus, this profession would help you to main a healthy work-life balance.
Another essential fact is finding a job. It is effortless to get a job as a commis chef. You will have varieties of casual, part-time, or weekend work as a commis chef in any type of restaurant or pub. You could even do that alongside your studies or professional training. However, different restaurants have different pay scales and requirements. So, you have a pool of options to choose from based on your interests and experience.
Work Location
Moreover, as a commis chef, you have a huge advantage to work in any location easy for you. There are restaurants and cafés in any corner of the world; therefore, finding work even in a remote area would not be difficult. You could even try internationally. The right level of experience and culinary knowledge could take you to the best restaurant in the world. And, who doesn’t love to travel?
This profession would open doors for both work and travel internationally. Just imagine, you get to travel in some of the world’s most top-rated locations and also get to earn money there. You can even secure an opportunity to cook in a restaurant located in front of the Eiffel towers in Paris! No other profession offers this incredible level of benefits. In addition, you will have a golden chance to see the world and get an idea about different cultures and cuisines.
For example, French cuisine still has a significant influence in the industry, both in the UK and worldwide, particularly in haute cuisine. Additionally, the career of a commis chef brings in a bag full of opportunities for career progression. If you want, you could even open your restaurant after gaining enough experience. The large amount of transferable and interpersonal skills along with culinary knowledge would take you to great heights in your career.
How to Become a Commis Chef in the UK?
Now that we have developed a clear understanding of ‘what is a commis chef’ and their roles and responsibilities, let us look at how you can start your career. First of all, to become a commis chef, you need specific academic and professional qualifications and relevant professional training. Some essential things required by a commis chef includes the following:
- Competent level of English language in both reading and writing.
- Thorough understanding of kitchen equipment and its uses.
- Experience in handling dangerous equipment such as knives.
- Professional chef training from any renowned institute.
- Aware of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety.
- Level 1,2, and 3 food safety awards.
- Health & Safety, food & hygiene certificate.
However, alongside all the qualifications mentioned above and experience, a good commis chef should possess the following skills. These skills are also called interpersonal skills. Some of them are already instilled inside an individual, whereas others start developing in you as you become more experienced in your role as well as from life experiences. So, some of these soft skills are:
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
- Passion for cooking.
- Ability to remain calm always.
- Produce high-quality food.
- Good understanding of health and safety.
- Understanding of basic food hygiene practices.
- Advanced level of oral and written skills.
- High level of attention to detail
- Excellent level of excitement to acquire new skills.
- Helping the people around.
- Ability to work under someone and not get intimidated.
- Positive and approachable manner
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Team building and leadership skills.
- Empathy towards co-workers.
Salary Expectations
Salary for commis chefs would not be as much as the head chefs at the beginning. But, it increases quickly with time. This is because the salary curve for chefs is constantly increasing due to their all-time demand. However, as you start gaining experience, the salary begins growing too. However, in your initial days, you can expect to earn around £12,000 and £16,000. But, as you progress through your career, you can even earn approximately £50,000+. But, alongside your annual salary, if you start a small business such as catering or arranging food for various events, you could end up earning a few £1000 per order!
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the best thing about being any kind of chef is that if you have the will and determination, and money for investment, you can start planning for your own business at any point in your career. But, of course, the more experience you gain from your previous experience would help you build a much better business plan for yourself and manage it efficiently. For example, through your own business, if you accomplish building an excellent menu and a prominent client base, you could earn more than £100,000 a year!
Additionally, the career of a commis chef brings in a bag full of opportunities for career progression. If you want, you could even open your restaurant after gaining enough experience. The large amount of transferable and interpersonal skills along with culinary knowledge would take you to great heights in your career.
The culinary world is diverse. There are several roles and career opportunities in this industry. However, the most exciting fact is that the world is your oyster once you gain that essential experience! This article contains sufficient information on what is a commis chef and crucial things related to this job field. However, if you want to gain further knowledge on this and get professional training, you could enrol in one of our courses from the culinary industry. The courses are beautifully designed by experts and are always 100% online!
