This apprenticeship is currently being developed by Munster Technological University    and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI).    

An Executive Chef Apprenticeship leads to a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This apprenticeship is currently in development and proposed for launch in 2026. 

Please check back for updates.   

This apprenticeship is currently being developed by Munster Technological University    and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI).    

An Executive Chef Apprenticeship leads to a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This apprenticeship is currently in development and proposed for launch in 2026. 

Please check back for updates.   

Chefs are responsible for ensuring that food is consistently high in quality and visually appealing to customers. They must also be fully knowledgeable about food preparation regulations, hygiene standards, and health and safety procedures.

The specific duties of a chef can vary depending on the size and structure of the kitchen.

In smaller kitchens—such as those in pubs—a chef may work alone or with just one or two assistants. In these settings, chefs typically handle the entire range of tasks themselves, including preparing and cooking all courses, from starters to desserts. They may also be responsible for administrative duties and paperwork.

In contrast, large hotel kitchens can employ dozens of staff members, with a structured hierarchy and multiple specialist chefs reporting to a Head or Executive Chef. A typical kitchen hierarchy includes:

Head Chef / Executive Chef – Positioned at the top of the kitchen hierarchy, the Head Chef manages the kitchen staff and budget, oversees suppliers, and is responsible for menu creation.

Sous Chef / Second Chef – The term Sous Chef means “under chef” in French. This role involves more hands-on cooking and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen. While smaller establishments may not have a Sous Chef, larger ones often employ several.

Chef de Partie / Station Chef – In larger kitchens, multiple Chefs de Partie may each be assigned to a specific station or section, such as Pantry Chef, Fish Chef, or Pastry Chef (also known as Patissier).

Commis Chef – A Commis Chef works under a Chef de Partie, often as part of their training or in their first job after culinary training.

• Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
• Check the quality of raw and cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
• Estimate the amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
• Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food. 
• Supervise or coordinate the activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
• Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
• Order or requisition food and other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
• Determine production schedules and staffing requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
• Check the quantity and quality of received products.
• Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.

This apprenticeship is currently being developed by Munster Technological University    and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI).    

An Executive Chef Apprenticeship leads to a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This apprenticeship is currently in development and proposed for launch in 2026. 

Please check back for updates.   

Apprentices completing NFQ Level 9 as an Executive Chef can develop their careers in the Tourism & Hospitality and Food & Beverage sectors.

Further support is available to explore your career development options in Enterprise & Innovation:

Springboard Conversion course options 

Local enterprise office supports     

Franchising    

Skillnet networking & professional development     

This apprenticeship is currently being developed by Munster Technological University    and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI).    

An Executive Chef Apprenticeship leads to a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This apprenticeship is currently in development and proposed for launch in 2026. 

Please check back for updates.   

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

Career Pathway to becoming an Executive Chef

In a kitchen for example, there can be dozens of staff, with a number of specialist chefs working under a head/executive chef. This is a typical pathway of career development:

Head Chef / Executive Chef – Positioned at the top of the kitchen hierarchy, the Head Chef manages the kitchen staff and budget, oversees suppliers, and is responsible for menu creation.

Sous Chef / Second Chef – The term Sous Chef means “under chef” in French. This role involves more hands-on cooking and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen. While smaller establishments may not have a Sous Chef, larger ones often employ several.

Chef de Partie / Station Chef – In larger kitchens, multiple Chefs de Partie may each be assigned to a specific station or section, such as Pantry Chef, Fish Chef, or Pastry Chef (also known as Patissier).

Commis Chef – A Commis Chef works under a Chef de Partie, often as part of their training or in their first job after culinary training.

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

This apprenticeship is currently being developed by Munster Technological University    and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI).    

An Executive Chef Apprenticeship leads to a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This apprenticeship is currently in development and proposed for launch in 2026. 

Please check back for updates.