Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
Rise from kitchen assistant (no quals) and commis chef (Level 2); the recognised supervisory qualification is the Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor or Chef de Partie, with a Level 2 Food Safety certificate required.