Official Trade Apprenticeship Standard
Head Chef & Culinary Professional Apprenticeship Pathway
Everything you need to know about starting a Head Chef & Culinary Professional apprenticeship: entry qualifications, wage progression, Levy funding rules, and training provider options.
Apprenticeship Standard Details
DURATION
24 Months
START WAGE
£19,000/yr
SOC CODE
5434
Entry Requirements:
- GCSE Grade 3 in English and Maths
- Passionate commitment to culinary arts
Typical Learning Modules:
• Culinary Knife Skills
• Classical Sauces & Butchery
• Food Safety & HACCP
• Menu Costing & Wastage
• Pastry & Baking
Certification Outcome
Level 2/3 NVQ Professional Cookery Certificate
Top Training Providers
- Le Cordon Bleu London
- Westminster Kingsway College
- University College Birmingham
Apprenticeship Standards & Source Attribution
Primary Source: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) Occupational Standards • UK National Apprenticeship Service.
Wage Information: Minimum wage benchmarks reflect the UK National Minimum Wage for Apprentices (2026/27). Qualified pay rates reflect ONS ASHE survey data.
Last Reviewed: August 2026 • Next Review: April 2027
See our data verification principles on our Editorial Methodology page.