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I need advice for a cv

Hello, I'm an going to apply for a level 2 product chef apprenticeship but I need some advice for my cv, I never went to secondary school and have no gcses and I don't have any job experience, what else could I put on there to boost my chances

Reply 1

Surnia

What does the apprenticeship ask for, in terms of competences? What skills do you have from extracurricular activities or volunteering that you could put on your CV to meet these?

Reply 2

JJ0016

Original post

by Surnia

What does the apprenticeship ask for, in terms of competences? What skills do you have from extracurricular activities or volunteering that you could put on your CV to meet these?

I haven't done any volunteering or anything, I can cook and bake a bit and I watch my little brother all the time could I put that on it

Reply 3

Zarek

Focus on your love of cooking and the skills you’ve taught yourself. Include any occasions you have catered for. Include positive personality traits too, like reliability, flexibility, hard working, wish to get on. Good luck

Reply 4

JJ0016

Original post

by Zarek

Thanks for the help but my parents don't think I should do it because too many hours for little pay

Reply 5

Zarek

Original post

by JJ0016

Thanks for the help but my parents don't think I should do it because too many hours for little pay

They may have a point, catering is a very tough industry. You need to find a start and something you’ll enjoy

Reply 6

Surnia

Original post

by JJ0016

Thanks for the help but my parents don't think I should do it because too many hours for little pay

Are you an adult who can make their own choices?

Reply 7

Surnia

Original post

by JJ0016

I haven't done any volunteering or anything, I can cook and bake a bit and I watch my little brother all the time could I put that on it

So what makes you want to do this apprenticeship? Why no GCSEs (don't have to answer that if you don't want)?

They will be looking for clear examples, so I don't know how you define 'a bit' of cooking. Babysitting is responsibility, but you're not showing any innovation, team-work, organisation etc.

Reply 8

ilovelemons

Original post

by JJ0016

Thanks for the help but my parents don't think I should do it because too many hours for little pay

Hi, in terms of pay - think about your future rather than the immediate now. Apprenticeships - like other qualifications are a stepping stone to further qualifications, experience and your future. Is this where your passion lies? Do you feel committed and excited to undertake it? When I recall some of the work experience I undertook during my placement year (more than 30 years ago) some of it was unpaid - but I did it because it got me both the experience and opportunity to define the direction I wanted to pursue. If pursing a career as a chef/in the hospitality industry is what you feel you really want to do then I wouldn’t worry too much about the immediate low pay, vast majority of level 2 apprenticeships are low pay. What I would be clarifying though is what are the opportunities after ? How long is the apprenticeship? 12/15 months ? Is it through a well run reputable establishment? Where have other students gone onto after completion? What’s your goal for 5, 10 years from now? Will this course help you get there? Weigh all that up and don’t be too deterred by lack of GCSE’s/Secondary School - many of these apprenticeships are an alternative pathway for those that haven’t got a traditional education and lack qualifications. Indeed Level 2 is equivalent to a few GCSE’s. So have a think about all that - there’s more info on the government apprenticeship website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/chef#

Reply 9

ilovelemons

Original post

by JJ0016

Thanks for the help but my parents don't think I should do it because too many hours for little pay

Have a look at jobs - Indeed is a good place to start. See what jobs are available/salaries and different levels - this will give you an idea of opportunities, future salary and read the job descriptions carefully and think is this something I really want to do. The hospitality industry consists often of unsociable hours, for example long shifts, early starts or very late finishes/weekend work and working over public holidays (Christmas/New Year’s & bank holidays). Plenty of chefs go onto successful careers and it can open up careers internationally but it’s a hard slog to get to the top or be independent and have your own establishment. To succeed it’s all about your passion and determination! There are apprenticeships in other sectors too - so if after thinking through all the above you are unsure see what others are available then repeat the process above - to see where it can take you/future jobs/salary etc. Doing this should help give some focus and clarity and if after all that you still want to pursue being a chef go for it and read up on the careers of those that inspire you. Good luck

Reply 10

Audrey Wetmore

Highlight your passion for cooking, any informal kitchen experience, and relevant skills. Include any cooking-related courses or voluntary work and emphasize soft skills like teamwork and dedication. These elements can strengthen your CV and showcase your potential.
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