Culinary Intern

Roles and responsibilities

• Assist in daily pastry and bakery operations, supporting the team in the preparation and production of baked goods, cakes, and pastries.
• Learn and apply basic baking techniques, including dough preparation, mixing, shaping, and decorating.
• Support the senior pastry chefs in preparing pastries, breads, and desserts to meet menu standards.
• Ensure proper organization and cleanliness of the pastry section, including workstations, equipment, and storage areas.
• Assist in managing inventory of ingredients and supplies and ensure items are properly stored.
• Follow recipes and portion control instructions to ensure consistent product quality.
• Help decorate and finish pastries for presentation, learning professional decoration techniques.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene standards by following health and safety guidelines.
• Take part in training sessions and learning opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in pastry and bakery operations.
• Assist with basic administrative tasks such as labeling and tracking ingredients or products as needed.
  

Ideally, you should possess some or all the following qualifications and experience:

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a culinary school program with a focus on pastry and bakery.
• Passion for pastry arts and a strong desire to learn and improve baking skills.
• Basic knowledge of baking principles and kitchen equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Willingness to learn, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and take direction from senior chefs.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a team environment.
• Good communication skills for collaborating with kitchen staff.
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to handle flexible working hours, including weekends and holidays as required.

Desired candidate profile

Basic Culinary Skills

• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques such as chopping, sautéing, baking, and grilling.
• Familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment, such as knives, mixers, ovens, and blenders.
• Understanding of ingredient preparation, portioning, and storage.

2. Willingness to Learn

• Eagerness to absorb new skills and techniques from experienced chefs.
• Openness to feedback and a proactive attitude toward improvement.
• Curiosity about cuisines, recipes, and culinary trends.

3. Food Safety and Hygiene

• Understanding food handling and storage regulations to maintain safety and freshness.
• Adherence to hygiene standards, including personal cleanliness and sanitizing workspaces.
• Familiarity with protocols for preventing cross-contamination and allergens.

4. Time Management

• Managing tasks efficiently to meet kitchen deadlines and service requirements.
• Staying organized in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely food preparation.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

• Working closely with chefs, line cooks, and other kitchen staff to support smooth operations.
• Assisting with tasks like plating, cleaning, or inventory management when required.
• Maintaining a positive and cooperative attitude during busy shifts.

6. Attention to Detail

• Ensuring dishes are prepared according to recipes and plating standards.
• Monitoring ingredients for quality and freshness.
• Following instructions precisely to meet kitchen standards.

7. Adaptability

• Adjusting to different kitchen environments, cuisines, and cooking styles.
• Remaining calm and focused during high-pressure situations or unexpected changes.

8. Physical Stamina

• Ability to stand, move, and work in a kitchen environment for extended periods.
• Handling the physical demands of lifting heavy pots, pans, or ingredients.

9. Culinary Knowledge

• Familiarity with basic food groups, spices, and flavor combinations.
• An understanding of various cuisines, cooking methods, and kitchen terminology.
• Interest in learning about menu planning, portion control, and ingredient sourcing.