You professional cooks & bakers, can I have a word?

[stirlingmum]

So, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Littlest dd will start school full time next August and I would like to work in an area I enjoy. I really enjoy baking, cooking and feel I am quite good [smug mode].

Lets say the lovely little cafe down the road that does homemade soup, lovely baking, and fantastic sandwiches was looking for someone in the kitchen, what qualifications would I need (or certificates etc) to enable me to apply for something like that?

I dont want to do anything too fancy, I am not thinking about michelin stars or anything!!

Your advice is much appreciated

[Charlee]

A food hygiene certificate wouldn't hurt your chances. I don't think you really need any qualifications. Do you have any experience working with food or people? (customers) because that again will be a great advantage.

[Carmenere]

Go and do an nvq in cookery in your local college. You will learn the basics, get all the qualifications you need and you will LOVE it.
I went to catering college a long time ago and loved it but dss is currently doing a level 3 nvq in catering and last year there were plenty of older women in his year. I think you could do one part time for a year and get enough qualifications to do what you want.

[suzywong]

indeed
a food hygiene cert is a must before you start anything. Your local council will run them regularly. They are as easy as falling off a log if you have a modicum of common sense.

perhaps you could do your nvq part time while working there?

Agree with Carm, doing a stint at catering college will increase your confidence no end. You will also learn how to handle a Hobart.

[stirlingmum]

A hobart??

I have dealt with customers before. With a very large company. Mainly over the phone, but sometimes face to face.

I shall ask council re food hygiene cert. I believe a college in the next town does catering couses.

Thanks so much for your help.

[suzywong]

hobarts. Proper pro cooks toys. Mmmmmmmmm

[stirlingmum]

Wow! Impressive Suzy!

That makes my poor old food processor feel quite inadequate.