Apprenticeship ยท Level 8 ยท Hospitality & Food

Sous-Chef

This programme is for people already working or qualified in the area, not usually school leavers.

This two-year apprenticeship is for experienced chefs who want to step up to kitchen team leader. It leads to an honours degree in Culinary Arts.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
NFQ Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Culinary Arts
Where you train
  • Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus (or another higher education institution)
Pay
Salary from your employer while training on-the-job and off-the-job (rate agreed with employer)
Costs
Student contribution payable to the higher education institution over the two years (amount not stated on the page)

Entry requirements

  • Must be hired by an approved employer
  • Aimed at experienced chefs
  • Full eligibility criteria are in the Sous Chef Apprenticeship Employer Information Handbook

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. You can enquire or apply online through the Sous Chef apprenticeship website, or contact the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

Enquire or apply online (Sous Chef apprenticeship) โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Lead a kitchen team
  • Prepare dishes to a high standard and follow food hygiene rules
  • Guide and train team members
  • Use modern cooking techniques in line with international trends
  • Spot and use business opportunities in the culinary industry

Where it can lead

  • Sous chef and team leader across the hospitality industry
  • Production specialist at operational, managerial and technical levels
  • Progress to Masters level (Level 9)

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Home Economics, Business

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Hospitality & Food apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Personal Services

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.