A cook works in a kitchen, often alongside the head chef, helping in a retail or commercial food preparation environment.
Who can I work for?
As a cook you can work for a variety of different establishments, from a primary school to a department stores canteen.
Where and when can I work?
Hours can be long, working your fair share of early mornings, late nights and weekends.
What can I earn?
You can expect to earn around £16,000 per year, but this can increase depending on the amount of responsibilities you hold.
What are the benefits?
Paid holiday and sickness, after a qualifying period.
Are there chances of promotion?
A cook normally progresses into the role of a lead cook or head chef, before finding work in a larger or more prestigious establishment.
What will I be responsible for?
You can expect your responsibilities to include food preparation, ordering food items, keeping the kitchen clean and assisting the head chef when need be.
Do I need any experience?
Although no formal experience is required, employers like applicants to have relevant GCSEs.
What attributes are needed?
As a cook you need to be able to accurately adapt ingredients at the last minute, prepare many dishes to be ready at the same time, have impressive time management and be aware of the strict food guidelines.