Training as a chef

Question

I am about to finish a degree in economics and Russian at Leeds University. I have been cooking since I was 14 years old, and by teaching myself, I have reached a fairly decent standard. I would like to know what is the best way to become a chef, what qualifications I need to get experience in a restaurant kitchen, and which of the private catering courses do you recommend?

What the expert says

Jane Riches, national programmes manager, Springboard UK

There are a few options available to you. You could do one of the many full-time courses that are offered in a number of colleges throughout the country. These involve work placements. Second, several hotel and restaurant groups offer modern apprenticeships to those aged between 16 and 24. This option would give you the opportunity to work for a reputable establishment, while gaining work-based qualifications by either going to college one day a week or having an assessor visit you. Alternatively, you could do a private course run by schools such as Le Cordon Bleu and Leith's in London, and then apply directly to a hotel or restaurant where you will be given further training and the opportunity to perhaps go to college on day release.