Chef Jobs

If food preparation is your “cup-of-tea” in Nashville and Middle Tennessee you may find your dream job is that of a chef. These experts in the finer ingredients of cuisine can apply their expertise from basic meal making to a delicious work-of-art. Thoughts of their completed dishes often elicit a mouth watering response from those gathered at the dinner table or viewers watching on television.

Demand for chefs is found in virtually every city, town or resort in the world. And how a chef performs their craft is widespread as well, from preparing food personally, to supervising a large staff of cooks and kitchen workers.

Employers of chefs are comprised of restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools, universities, prisons, armed forces, businesses and other institutions. Some in the occupation are even employed in food preparation research, while others are self employed as caterers or own their own restaurants.

A chef’s job typically entails either developing or following recipes. In addition, it includes measuring, mixing and cooking ingredients using equipment and utensils such as blenders, mixers, ovens, pots, pans, skillets, broilers and special cutlery. They order food supplies, plan menus, determine serving sizes and ensure the quality of their meals.

There are several basic types of chefs. Executive chefs oversee the work of the kitchen staff and direct the preparation of the food. At a senior level they may be in charge of large scale food operations and responsible for multiple kitchens within an organization. On the-other-hand a chef-de-cuisine is usually responsible for one kitchen and works under the supervision of an executive chef. A sous chef is considered second in command and is in charge of operations when the kitchen chef is absent.

A master chef designation is available for those that have completed a high level of training and passed a certifying test.

A high school diploma is usually recommended for someone interested in entering the discipline especially for the senior levels, but not required. There are special schools and vocational training programs available for aspiring chefs. Food service and hospitality organizations often have internships or specialized programs to help interested candidates gain training and experience in the occupation.

Those interested in becoming executive chefs or chefs working at the best restaurants need years of training and experience.

The American Culinary Federation provides accreditation to formal training programs in the U.S. In addition, the Federation sponsors apprenticeship programs for qualified candidates which generally last up to three years.

Typical courses of programs involve cooking techniques, safe food-handling procedures, proper use of equipment, and good knife techniques. Training also includes menu planning, portion control, inventory methodology, storage procedures, proper sanitation techniques, public health regulations and even accounting. There are special training classes on banquets, buffets and all sorts of world cuisines.

There is a lot of competition for positions at the best restaurants and institutions. Those individuals completing training at the best programs have an edge in being hired in the choice jobs.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly earnings for chefs are about $16 dollars an hour. But experienced chefs at the best restaurants and institutions in and around Nashville can earn considerably more. Those with great reputations are usually highly recruited and compensated.

So, if you like food preparation and have a creative streak, becoming a chef may be the right career for your tastes. It’s a position to be in demand all over the world.