Cook
Cooks plan menus, prepare dishes and work in a team, often under time pressure. If you are creative, work cleanly and can handle stress, you can go far.
Typical tasks
- preparing ingredients, that is washing, cutting and portioning them
- cooking, frying, baking and plating dishes
- helping to plan menus and recipes
- ordering, checking and storing goods correctly
- paying attention to hygiene and keeping the kitchen clean
Where people work
Cooks work in restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, care homes, for caterers and on ships. Evening and weekend shifts are normal.
A good fit if
- you like cooking and trying out new recipes
- you can work in a team, even when it gets hectic
- you have stamina, because you stand a lot
- you have ideas for presenting dishes nicely
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria the most common path is a Lehre (apprenticeship) as a cook; it can also be done as a double apprenticeship together with restaurant service. Alternatively, there are vocational schools for hospitality or tourism, called BMS (secondary vocational school). In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung or a Berufsfachschule, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ) or a Fachmittelschule (FMS).
- Lehre
- Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
- BMS (berufsbildende mittlere Schule)
- Vocational school with a professional qualification, without Matura. 3 to 4 years
Matching schools in Austria
We do not keep a school list for these pathways. An apprenticeship (Lehre) takes place in a training company and at a vocational school.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the apprenticeship take?
The apprenticeship as a cook usually takes three years, longer as a double apprenticeship.
Can I go abroad with this apprenticeship?
Yes, good cooks are in demand in many countries, for example in hotels or on cruise ships.
What if I do not eat meat?
Vegetarian and vegan cooking is becoming more important. In the job, however, you usually also need to be able to prepare meat and fish.
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