Getting experience in the UK

Question

"I am 19 and in the middle of my final school exams. I finish on 19 November and will be leaving for London the next day to see family and friends.

I want to be a chef and have been accepted into the chef school Zevenwacht in Cape Town, South Africa. As I have my ticket for London and a British passport I am planning to stay in the UK for a year and enrol in college in 2003.

But I don't want to waste the year and want to get some good experience in my chosen field. What can I do to start learning as many practical skills as possible from the bottom while I'm in the UK?"

Rene, South Africa

What the expert says

Steve Nunes, managing director catering, Blue Arrow

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"The number of people who choose to travel and work abroad at some time in their lives continues to rise steadily. If you are planning a career as a chef, travelling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines will provide you with invaluable skills and inspiration. As you are keen to get some basic experience, I would suggest that temporary work would be the best option for you.Á‚ Temporary work will enable you to gain valuable skills in a wide variety of catering establishments and to see the industry in action. Think about what you want to achieve from your overseas experience both professionally and personally, including: - any particular towns/cities you would like to work in as well as London - areas you want to visit during your stay - whether you wish to travel to more than one place - if you want to work full-time or part-time - preferences for any specific type of catering (events, hotels, retail, etc) - the types of roles youÁ¢Â€Â™re willing to undertake When you arrive in the UK it is advisable to contact a professional agency. The agency will make a time to meet you, register your details, and discuss the range of options available to you. You will need a written CV, so consider the skills you already have, any experience related to the industry, any relevant qualifications, and provide at least two references.Á‚ Many agencies will give you advice on how to put together a professional CV but it is useful to have something already prepared.Á‚ And donÁ¢Â€Â™t forget to take any documentation relating to qualifications with you, as well as proof that you can work in this country. Some agencies can arrange specialist training in areas such as food hygiene, silver service, or customer care if this is required. This training is often free and will provide you with additional skills to help you maximise available work opportunities. Combining work and travel will provide you with long lasting memories and valuable skills for the years ahead.Á‚ Enjoy the experience!Á¢Â€Â Anyone wishing to check passport/visa and working permit information can contact the Home Office helpline on 0870 6067766 (if in the UK) or their local British Consulate (if outside the UK). Do you have a question for our experts? [E-mail us now, help is at hand.