In the world of catering, there’s plenty of routes you can take to land your dream role as a chef.
We understand that the same route doesn’t fit well with everyone; some people perform better when studying for a qualification or certification, whereas some prefer a more practical learning environment.
If you’re an aspirational chef and like the sound of a practical on the job environment, then chef staging could be just what you’re looking for.
What is Chef Staging?
Staging is very similar to an apprenticeship; however, the stager works for free. Many people feel that this role is beneficial in their journey to becoming a chef as it allows you to experience a lot of the crucial skills and assets needed when working in catering.
In many modern establishments, staging is seen as a process to work towards a full-time position in that particular kitchen.
Benefits of Staging
Chef staging allows you to get a true feel for the job and help you decide whether it’s the job for you.
Here are some of the benefits of staging:
- It helps you gain a realistic feel for what a chef role is like.
- Staging in a single establishment helps you adapt to how that particular kitchen operates.
- Most chef stagers are exposed to new techniques and cuisines in the catering industry.
- Staging helps you build desired skills that many restaurants look for.
- It’s a great way to build a professional network.
What to Consider When Arranging a Stage?
Staging is very similar to undergoing work experience with the company as you won’t get paid; however, this definitely doesn’t take away the fact it’s a great learning experience and a good way to work your way up the career ladder.
As you’d probably expect, you are given a huge amount of responsibility when working in a kitchen and are expected to use kitchen equipment safely and responsibly. This is a key area that you can prove yourself in and show your ability to work safely and hygienically in a kitchen environment.
Understanding your kitchen police (KPs) is also a crucial part of the experience as these are effectively the cogs that make the kitchen work.
Listening to instructions and showing a strong level of personal initiative will set the bar high for your ability to work in a kitchen. Hard work and independence when undergoing tasks is what will get you noticed in catering.
How Can I Find a Staging Placement?
A lot of restaurants and large establishments now offer roles for chef staging, but the high-end restaurants are usually the best place to look as they’re constantly looking for stagers.
Large establishments are usually familiar with offering these roles and therefore, know what to expect when training stagers on the job.
However, if you can find a mid-level restaurant that offers these placements, you’ll often find that they can provide an experience that’s better suited to you, personally.
Depending on the type of establishment you aspire to work in, and what’s available to you, many people are better suited to different environments.
If you’re interested in finding a chef staging placement near you or would like more information on what this entails, contact our team at Personnel Solutions here.
