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"Go after what you really want to do in life."

Gaz Oakley is a chef, author and YouTuber who created the brand Avant Garde Vegan. Gaz has always had a passion for cooking and, after working as a chef and then changing career, he decided to become vegan and started posting his meals on Instagram. When people asked for advice on how to prepare meals like his, he started a YouTube channel. Gaz now has over 750,000 subscribers around the world and his first book was released in 2018.

Scroll down for more information on skills, working hours and salary.

What skills do I need?

There are certain industry requirements and specific skills that all chefs must have, such as kitchen and food safety training. In addition, you'll need:

• good written and verbal communication - especially if you want to share your recipes

• a flair for digital content

• strong people skills.

While Gaz promotes his work on social media, he originally trained as a chef.

What to expect if you want to be a chef

• Chef average salary: £15,000 to £30,000 per year (£23,000 to £50,000 per year for head chef)

• Chef typical working hours: 40 to 45 per week

What qualifications do you need to be a chef?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course – such as a T-level (England-only) – an apprenticeship or by working towards the role via other jobs.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service pages for and for the latest information and all the qualifications needed. (Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service).

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.