The world continues to recover from the economic impact of the COVID 19 virus. Since the pandemic struck in 2020, numerous businesses have shut down and thousands of jobs lost. One of the hardest-hit industries was the food service industry. According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), thousands of American restaurants shut down long-term or permanently. This resulted in the loss of millions of jobs. 

Though the economy is now recovering slowly, it is still difficult to get a good chef job. However, the good news is that you can gain valuable experience by taking up a job in the food production industry. This means working in a factory where food is fermented, canned, frozen, pasteurized, smoked, liquefied or pickled. Most of the skills you acquire will be in the food production industry are transferable to your career as a chef. 

Here are some of the skills you will develop as you work in food production:

Attention to detail

Cooking is both a science and an art. Every measurement and ingredient needs to be exact, and you need to know how long to cook specific meals. Working in food production will help you develop an eye for details like portion sizing, measuring, heat control, precision, quality of food and presentation.

Working in a team

Being part of a team, a chef should have the ability to work well with others. Besides relating well with other cooks in the kitchen, he must also have a good working relationship with management and staff. In a food production job, you will learn how to give and receive feedback, collaborate, show compassion and develop emotional intelligence. 

Safety procedures 

Working in a busy kitchen comes with many hazards. Chefs are prone to injuries like burns or cuts from knives and other equipment. In addition, poorly handled food can cause illness to customers. Working in food production is a great way to learn about food safety procedures, risk assessment and sanitary practices. 

Business sense

Besides knowing how to cook well, a good chef must also have good business acumen. This means making great food, while also remaining cost-effective. In food production, you will learn about food pricing, cost control, budgeting, ordering, product selection, inventory management and operations.

Trained and skilled chefs will always be in demand. Working in food production is a great way to hone your skills and work your way up the ladder to becoming a great chef. Visit our site to apply for a job in food production.