For ‘cold dishes’, these include, for example, salads, starters and various desserts; for ‘hot dishes’, they include soups, pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables, meat and sauces. During mealtimes, the hospital kitchen is a hive of activity. Everything has to be done quickly so that guests receive their meals promptly. You’ll also ensure the hospital kitchen is kept tidy and clean, washing machines and appliances as well as knives and other cooking utensils.
Prerequisites
- Completed Realschule / Grundschule
- A keen sense of smell and taste
- An enjoyment of working with food
- A practical aptitude
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Awareness of hygiene standards
- A sense of order
- Good health / physical fitness
- Willingness to work irregular hours
Education
The two-year training programme begins in August each year and leads to the Eidgenössischen Berufsattest EBA. The practical training takes place at Zuger Kantonsspital, whilst you will attend vocational school at the Commercial and Industrial Training Centre (GIBZ) in Zug.
A trainee’s daily report
What will my day-to-day life be like during my apprenticeship?
"Under the guidance of chefs and dieticians, I help out in all areas of the kitchen. I attend the vocational college in Zug one day a week. This provides a good balance of theory and practice."
What are the particular challenges during the training programme?
"Hot food preparation is even more demanding than cold food preparation. As I’m not particularly strong at schoolwork, I’m glad I chose this apprenticeship. However, my aim is to move on to the second year of my chef’s training after passing the final examination at the end of my two-year apprenticeship, so that I can later complete my training as a chef (EFZ)."
Why was the decision made to choose this training programme?
"My great love of cooking and the enjoyment I get from it were the deciding factors behind this decision."
Opportunities for development
- A shortened apprenticeship as a Köchin/Koch EFZ, followed by relevant further training opportunities (see Köchin/Koch EFZ)
Taster Week
During a taster week, you’ll have the opportunity to shadow qualified professionals, get to know the hospital environment and, of course, ask questions.
Are you interested in a taster week? Then please get in touch. We’d be happy to provide you with details of available dates.
