Food jobs: 'There’s no stereotypical chef - there are roles for everyone in this sector'

The Chef Network is aiming to change the narrative on people’s perception of kitchen careers, and in doing so, recruiting more people into the industry, Jonathan deBurca Butler writes

Cook decorating a plate and putting the ultimate touches - focus on foreground

Aspiring chefs or wannabe bakers will soon have the chance to find out if a future in the culinary arts is their cup of tea or simply pie in the sky. Chef Network has enlisted restaurants, bakeries, hotels, and chocolatiers from around Ireland to offer guest slots in kitchens for Open Kitchen Week running from November 6-12. With over 300 guest slots available, those who sign up will be invited to go behind the pass in professional kitchens to find out if they really can stand the heat.

“The network was set up in 2016 to allow chefs across the country to communicate and collaborate,” says Ruth Hegarty of Egg & Chicken Food Consultancy. “We have over 5,000 members now at all different levels and as well as helping with professional development and education, we try to promote the profession as a career. There has been quite a shortage of people in the profession and we want to show people how great it is.” Promoting the industry can often be a challenge, helped little by TV dramas like (the utterly brilliant) The Bear or even something more mundane like the The Great British Bake Off or Masterchef where one of the essential ingredients is pressure.