How to become a Chef?
Types of Chef Training Available
Scotland is world-famous for its outstanding food, fresh local produce, seafood, beef, game, and growing hospitality scene making it an incredible place to build a career as a chef.
The food and drink sector is one of the fastest-growing in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, meaning qualified chefs are highly sought after by local pubs, cafes, independant restaurants & hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and corporate catering companies
Scotland’s hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities for chefs at every level.
If you’re passionate about food, teamwork, and creativity, a career as a Scottish chef could take you anywhere.
There are several pathways to becoming a qualified chef, depending on whether you are just starting out, your experience, goals, and lifestyle.
1. College Route
The primary local provider is North East Scotland College (NESCol). Delivery in an education setting
Introduction to Professional Cookery (SCQF Level 4): A foundation course ideal for beginners and school leavers.
Food & Cookery Skills: Next Steps (SCQF Level 5): A deeper dive into advanced cookery, menu planning, and running a kitchen brigade.
Advanced Professional Cookery (SCQF Level 6 VRQ Diploma): Suitable for those with industrial experience or previous qualifications wanting to master high-end industry standards.
2. Hospitality & Culinary Management Degrees
If you are looking for higher education focusing on the business and management side of the culinary and hospitality industry, Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen offers a university degree
BA(Hons) International Hospitality Management
3. Modern Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to gain an industry-recognised qualifications SCQF Level 5 diploma in professional cookery and the practical workplace skills. Hospitality Training can manage this programme of on the job training within the workplace. The benefit is it is fully funded for 16-19 year old’s and funding is available up to the age of 24. As a dedicated learning provider, we work closely with employers and apprentices to deliver high-quality training that supports career development within the Aberdeenshire & Aberdeen hospitality and catering industry. We have supported thousands of chefs through their training and careers. This is hands on learning and requires no previous formal qualifications.
At SCQF Level 5, apprentices can work towards roles such as:
Apprentice Chef
Commis Chef
Preparation Chef
Kitchen Assistant
At SCQF Level 6, learners progress their knowledge into more advanced positions including:
Chef de Partie
Kitchen supervisor
Pastry Chef
4. In-House Kitchen Training
Start as a kitchen assistant or commis chef and progress through on-the-job training within restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues. Often the route for people who started working in kitchens and want to make a career out of it.
5. Specialist Chef Courses
Develop advanced skills in areas like pastry, patisserie, baking, butchery, or fine dining techniques by attending chef workshops or cookery schools