If you want to be hired as a Chalet Host, and you’re applying for roles which mean you will be providing catering for your guests, you will most likely be asked to complete a Level 2 Food Hygiene course.
You can do this either by completing an online course, or by attending a cookery course through which you will sit the exam. A cookery course isn’t necessarily compulsory, depending on your previous experience, but it may be something to look into.
Cost
The 2-hour online course will cost around £24 for the certificate. Whereas cookery courses, on the other hand, can be quite a bit dearer. Now, before you google anything, be aware that prices for cookery courses can vary quite a bit.
Generally, the courses range from around £600 to £3,000…so just work out what you want to get from the course and what your budget can allow. The most expensive of the courses are held in the Alps themselves but beware…usually the £3k cost won’t include your flights.
Generally, the courses range from around £600 to £3,000…so just work out what you want to get from the course and what your budget can allow. The most expensive of the courses are held in the Alps themselves but beware…usually the £3k cost won’t include your flights.
Most of the time, your employer will suggest a particular body for you to contact if they insist on you undertaking a physical cookery course. However, if they do not specify as such, and it is left up to you to decide, just make sure that the Food Hygiene certification is issued by a recognised body (just check with your employer if you’re unsure).
You can read up about what’s on offer from the various courses, and if you decide on a physical course, you will be in no doubt of learning skills that will be extremely useful while on season.
Training
However, if you are a confident cook and opt for just the online course, you needn’t worry – your employers’ training should provide everything you need to complete the job at hand. On top of the actual cooking experience itself, some courses offer help in finding their students’ placements in jobs if they don’t already have one, and can also provide tips on your CV.
You may also have the opportunity to discuss a menu plan (should you require it) with one of the chefs at the course, which can prove extremely helpful in terms of understanding where you’re able to save preparation time!
To give you a taste of what to expect on a cooking course, over the duration of a week, it’s common to serve up daily breakfasts, elevensies and three-course meals.
Catering for numbers
Bear in mind that the courses will not only focus on food hygiene and safety knowledge, but will provide insight into how to prep for catering for a large number of guests.
We mean this in terms of portioning and making sure the dishes go out together, as well as organising your food prep so you can get the most out of your off-shift hours. A cooking course will give you all the tools you need and more to make you feel fully comfortable with the expectations of your role.
If there’s anything you’re particularly unsure of, you have the opportunity to discuss this with your course chefs, and they can usually make themselves available to help with any queries even after your week’s course is over. So there’s no way you’ll hit the slopes feeling any bit of doubt about your capabilities in the kitchen!
However, given that the courses are quite expensive, it’s up to you to decide if the cost is worth it. If you feel that it is, then absolutely go for it. But if not, and you are confident in yourself as a chef, simply obtain the Food Hygiene certification.
No hassle, no problems. Just make sure you’re comfortable with what your employer will be asking of you.
If you would like any help or advice on various courses or certifications, please do not hesitate to contact us! We’re always happy to help!