Carving out a culinary career
What does it take to be a chef? This week’s Femme Focus looks at various options
WHEN one pictures a chef, one visualises a white apron and the pleated, starched white hat (toque blanche), a set of extremely sharp knives plus, like a true artiste a temper to match… and at one stage it seemed to be an area where only few would dare to tread.
Gone are the days when Domestic Science was a school subject and burnt custard the order of the day.
Instead with the advent of reality TV we have programmes such as MasterChef, Chopped and Iron Chef… we can cook alongside Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Nathaniel and the Barefoot Contessa, to name but some.
Imagination is the name of the game or for some, like Heston Blumenthal, science forms the foundation of the dish and has even been given the term – molecular gastronomy; whereas for others it’s all about healthy eating.
For me, however, it’s all about the taste!
A dish may be as pretty as a picture, but if it tastes like cardboard there’s no pleasure at all.
So, where do we begin?
This particular article will focus on the culinary arts as a career.
FET/ NVET option National certificated vocational training in the hospitality sector is offered by nine Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in KZN, one of which is the Umfolozi NVET College in Richards Bay.
The Hospitality and Catering Service course on offer provides skills training in: food preparation; hospitality generics; hospitality services; as well as client and human relations services.
It is an N4 certified course which also covers applied management, catering theory and practical, nutrition and menu planning, sanitation and safety or sanitation and housekeeping.
Entry requirements
Current N4 students or Grade 12/NSC/NC(V)/L4 For further information visit: www.umfolozicollege.co.za
Comprehensive, internationallyrecognised diplomas
If you wish to become a chef with internationally recognised qualifications, you may want to search a little further beyond the Zululand borders and will discover 1000 Hills Chef School which is affiliated to the City and Guilds of London, a recognised training provider with the South African Chefs Association and a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
After the first year of study, the student will have attained three City and Guild diplomas covering the culinary arts, patisserie (pastries) as well as food and beverage.
However, this comes at a price and there is a maximum enrolment of 36 students ensuring small classes of 12 – each receiving personalised attention and hands-on practical training.
For further information refer to the advertisement below. These are but some of the options, if you trawl through the web you will find so much more including online study courses
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