What work does a Chef de Partie do?

Chef de Partie literally translates as ‘Part Chef’.  They are responsible for a specific part or station in the kitchen.  They can often be referred to as a Line chef or Station chef and are generally the only person working in that particular section, though in some very large kitchens they may have assistants. 

Some of the more common examples of Chef de Parties include Sauté chef, Pastry chef and Fish chef.  They are responsible for supervising everything within their particular section of the kitchen.  Chef de Parties can either work on their own as well as train Commis chefs.

What skills and qualities are needed to work as a Chef de Partie?

Chef de Parties will be highly skilled in managing a station in a kitchen and will be particularly skilled in the area that they specialise in, such as butchering or working with pastry.  Chefs should be both willing to take direction and learn from senior colleagues in the kitchen and also have the ability to train and mentor the more junior Commis chefs that may be learning in their section.  As a result, good communication skills are essential for working in a busy kitchen as a Chef de Partie.

The position of a Chef de Partie in a kitchen means that very often they might be the only person working in a particular section, therefore they must be comfortable working on their own.  In large, busy kitchens where there may be several chefs in each section, working more as part of a team can also be required.

Where will I be based for my Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job training.  The Chef de Partie apprenticeship is four years in duration and when completed the apprentice will have a Level 7 BA in Culinary Arts qualification.  This apprenticeship is delivered by the following list of providers-

• MTU Kerry
• Cork Institute of Technology
• Waterford Institute of Technology
• TU Dublin - Tallaght
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Letterkenny Institute of Technology
• Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
• Limerick Institute of Technology
• Athlone Institute of Technology

Your local ETB may have information on employers looking for apprentices.  Some of the key elements that you will concentrate on during eight semesters over the four years are-

• Fundamentals in Culinary Skills & Patisserie
• Food safety
• Culinary skills development

• Planning a culinary event
• Classical culinary practice
• Food photography, food innovation and food product development

What is the Pay/Job market like?

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and the rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.  For the college training element of the apprenticeship a student contribution is required in all four years, €1,500 in years 1 & 2 and €750 in years 3 & 4.  These are paid directly to the institution involved.

Qualified Chef de Partie salaries can range between €27k - €30k per year depending on experience and the career has been identified as a Job in Demand according to the latest National Skills Bulletin.

How do I secure an Apprenticeship contract?

The Chef de Partie apprenticeship has a minimum age requirement of at least 16 years old. Educational requirements for this apprenticeship are-

-          Leaving Certificate with grade O6/H7 in English and 06/H7 in four other subjects

-          Or a full QQI Level 5 Award-

-          Or relevant industry experience which will be assessed by MTU Kerry.  Any Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be dealt with on an individual basis once a student is registered.

-          Or if you are employed as a chef and hold qualifications you may be eligible for advanced entry into year 2 or 3 of the programme.

Explore our Live apprenticeship area to find out what other employers are actively looking for apprentices.

Where can I get more information?

More information can be found on the Chef de Partie apprenticeship and career pages or on this brochure.

Visit the official Chef de Partie apprenticeship website.

The Irish Hotel Federation held a virtual open day for the three National Culinary Apprenticeships.  Watch the full video below.

You may also like to explore our Food and Beverages, and Tourism & Hospitality Career Sectors for much more information.  You can read some related stories or search our CourseFinder using the Apprenticeship filter.   

Further details about apprenticeships can also be found on the official apprenticeship website www.apprenticeship.ie or from your local ETB.

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