My way or the highway! This is your chance for an exciting new adventure through a whole new world that's been under your nose! Firstly, I'd like you to know that system-gastronomy is more than just flipping burgers or selling food menus. There is so much more to this very young new profession. In case you don't know what system-gastronomy is? Or the difference between classical gastronomy - fear not - I shall enlighten you with all you need to know. Correspondingly, system-gastronomy is a segment within the economic part of the industry. It combines the elements of food production with classical gastronomy. Some key features would include company concept – image, standardization, multiplication - which then would be guided by a central control headquarters.

Furthermore, the responsibilities of a system-gastronomer would be a wide variety of duties which do not exclude business and logistics management, food quality and service. More in depth is the apprenticeship, which would then take a total estimate of three years. It consists of a mixture of going to school and working on a bi-weekly basis. Some companies vary in that matter though. Additional duties that are required would be organizing storage of raw and finished products, also preparing food and beverages according to restaurants regulation. You must also follow the hygiene and food regulations. For the main part, you will find the profession in fast-food-restaurants and self-service restaurants.

Overall, you'll work with fryers, grills, dishwashers and electronic cash dispensers. In particular, you can divide system-gastronomy into two separate sections. The first section would be „gastronomy“. That is the central point of the commercial sale and consumption of food and beverages. This can be done in a variety of operation modes. Comparatively the second section is called „systematized“. This is basically the organizational structure. In addition, all staff is in standardized uniform. This is a major difference between classical gastronomy and system-gastronomy.

Moreover, the reason why you should do an apprenticeship is not mainly to have done one. More importantly it is to develop and learn new abilities that cannot only give you an advantage in your career field but also benefit you in your private matters as well. It helps improve or/and learn time management, heighten your stress capacity, bear public complaints, and adjust to spontaneous situations. Furthermore, the positive aspects you can gain from system-gastronomy are there are great opportunities to start your business or move up the ladder and make a descent pay grade - without having to need a higher degree in the educational system. Nevertheless you meet different type of people and that will give you a greater scope of experience when handling people.

Lashawn Engleman, HoS 11