Nestlē offers free online pre-commis chef program

The free online pre-commis Chef program, launched by Nestlé Professional® and the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) in 2018, offered young people basic culinary education to become a professional pre-commis chef or start training to become a Chef.

Since its launch in English, a total of 14,655 people have registered online and 3,298 pre-commis chef certificates have been issued.

This summer, the course will be offered in Spanish and Portuguese, and will also be available in Arabic, Mandarin and Italian by the end of 2020.

“The Worldchefs Academy is a solid and comprehensive base to learn the basics before entering a professional kitchen,” said Emmanuel Lorieux, global executive chef for Nestlé Professional®.  “Extending its availability in different languages is important as there are many people who don’t speak or understand English. These new languages will help us to reach more of people around the world. At a time when travel is limited, connecting online is more crucial than ever,” he added.

First step to a culinary career

The Worldchefs Academy program is available to anyone, no matter what background or current skill set, covering the basics of culinary professionalism, food service operations, culinary theory, food hygiene and sanitation, basic cooking and culinary nutrition. As a first step to a culinary career, aspiring Chefs simply get online or on their mobile app and register with an email address.

Users can then download the enrolled course and study any time, with or without Internet connection, before going back online when available to complete the final assessment. In as little as three months or less, young people can receive a Pre-Commis Chef certificate – so they are ready to apply for their first job in a professional kitchen.

“As part of the course, they learn culinary professionalism, proper food handling, how to dress and understand all the classic culinary terms. The more young people learn, the better they become and the more things they can do. Even the greatest chefs in a Michelin star restaurant started with some basic training,” Mr. Lorieux added.

Engaging more young people

With about 30 million young people worldwide dropping out of school each year, the Worldchefs Academy provides one accessible way to engage those who don’t have the means, mobility or flexibility to attend full-time culinary school or undertake an apprenticeship.

Extending its reach to more young people worldwide highlights the importance of this year’s International Youth Day, which seeks to engage them at local, national and global levels – critical at a time when only 7% of the world’s population hold a college, university or trade qualification.

Collaborative support

Development advisors representing Nestlé Professional® and Worldchefs worked together to create Worldchefs Academy which is available to anyone who is interested, willing to learn, and able to spend the time. Worldchefs Academy can be downloaded on both the App Store and Google Play, and can be found at www.worldchefsacademy.com.