Kitchen Steward to Commis Chef: 7 Career Moves

Want to move from stewarding into food preparation? Build proof of these skills first.

Master hygiene and safety first

Show reliability with cleaning SOPs, PPE, food handling and safe equipment procedures.

Learn from kitchen observation

With permission, watch how cooks set up stations and coordinate during service.

Request structured prep training

Ask a supervisor which supervised basic tasks your role and training allow.

Practice precise measurements

Follow written recipes, portioning instructions and correct ingredient labels.

Build safe knife skills

Use appropriate instruction and approved tools; never practise unfamiliar cuts unsupervised.

Document skills you've actually learned

Track real tasks, training and feedback rather than claiming duties you haven't done.

Apply for a junior commis opening

Check eligibility and ask for a fair, job-relevant assessment and development plan.

Keep building your skills.

Explore the full HorecaHire guide for related roles, examples and practical advice.

EXPLORE THE COMMIS CHEF ROLE