There are so many cooking and hospitality programmes dominating television – from Bake Off and Come Dine With Me to MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen. But have you ever wondered what it would really be like to work in the industry?

You can travel the world

Being a chef is the ideal career for anyone with a bit of wanderlust, because you can be a chef anywhere in the world, and sometimes you will end up travelling to discover new flavours and techniques!

You never stop learning

As a chef, you are constantly learning new things, experimenting and perfecting your technique. You’ll never reach a point where you know it all, because it’s such a diverse career that there is always more to learn.

It’s not like the TV programmes

Some TV chefs paint a certain (sometimes very solo!) image of being a chef, and while the job doesn’t come without pressure it’s very different to the occasionally glamorous TV portrayal. Be prepared to work, but also remember you’ll have a team of people supporting you.

You’ll probably work long hours

Everyone looking to embark on a career as a chef needs to be prepared for long, unsociable hours – that’s just one of the realities of the job. But you can be sure that, while this seems daunting, it’s one of the most rewarding and varied professions for the right person.

There’s always progression routes in your career

Because hospitality is such a diverse industry, there’s plenty of progression routes whatever your goals are. Whether you’re looking to be a fantastic all-round chef or specialise in a particular cuisine, there are always jobs and ways to move up in your career.

Interested?

If being a chef sounds like the career for you, an apprenticeship with the Food and Drink Academy at Weston College is an ideal place to start. You can learn all the skills you need to be a chef, while earning a wage. For more information, visit the hospitality and catering page.

The hospitality and catering industry is constantly growing and changing, which is why it’s perfect for anyone looking for an interesting future career. We’ve put together our top reasons why you should consider it!

A Weston College student overcame a number of professional artists to finish second in a prestigious live painting competition.

Cameron Gelder, 19, won his ‘heat’ and only narrowly missed out on winning the final of Art Battle Bristol at the city’s Marble Factory.

Cameron and fellow Weston College student Lewis Bateman, 17, were among 12 artists, including professionals, to compete in the event.

Each competitor was given 20 minutes to produce a work of art in front of an audience of 250. Spectators then vote on their favourite painting, with each work auctioned off at the end of the event.

Cameron and Lewis, who both study the Level 3 Art and Design course, made a big impression on the audience, which included their classmates and tutor, Nicola Stent.

“Cameron and Lewis did themselves and the College proud,” said Nicola.

“They engaged with the crowd and produced some excellent pieces of work under real pressure.

“Cameron really showed his ability to improvise, using his bank card to create an effect on his first painting!

“After finishing first in his heat, he was within five votes of winning the final.

“All three of the students’ pieces sold at the auction, with one of Cameron’s fetching £80.

“Their classmates got involved as well, and gave Cameron and Lewis lots of support.

“The event also provided the students with some great opportunities to network with professional painters, graffiti artists and architects.”

Cameron was pipped to first place by Jody Thomas, a Bristol-based professional graffiti artist who began painting with Banksy.