Bridging the gap between the working world and the education system can be a difficult task, especially for someone who only has a vague idea of what they want to do. Apprenticeships act as a way to give individuals a taste of what the industry has to offer, however, sometimes we can bite off more than we can chew. Still, apprenticeships can be a gift, in that they can give those who partake, a taste of the industry, but a curse, in that they can give those who partake, a taste of the industry. This is especially true for prospective chefs, who typically have a high drop-off rate. Read on, as I explain.

‘When many apprentices enter the industry, their perception of the job often doesn’t match the reality’, says chef Frank Camorra, who mentors apprentices at a kitchen in Australia. It is said that perspective chefs only see the glitz and the glam of the industry and only look up to the celebrity chefs of the cooking world. For these individuals, an apprenticeship in a kitchen can be a real shock. The hard work and long hours differ from the fame and riches that are often presented to us on TV and magazines. Like any job, the starting point is usually the most daunting. You have to prove yourself and show that you have what it takes. However, unlike other jobs, culinary apprentices typically have a higher drop-off rate. For one, this could be due to a false perception of the industry, the long hours or how immersive the job can be. However, chef Frank Camorra says that there is hope.

‘In my experience, if an apprentice chef can last three to six months, they are likely to stay in the industry for the long-term’, says chef Frank. Picking the right apprenticeship is important. Knowing what expect from the apprenticeship is essential, washing the dishes the whole time is not going to be beneficial overall, though it can build character if it is integrated within your tasks. Finding an apprenticeship that can give you the mentality to survive in the industry and provide you with the right skill set can make the difference.

Perception may not always be reality and not everything in life can be mapped out perfectly. However, apprenticeships are what you make of them, just like jobs, you have bad ones and good ones. If it is your passion, stick to it.