No, its not mandatory. If you completed an apprenticeship as a Cook, then you are required to show 3 years of paid work experience pre or post qualification. For example, if you are from the UK and hold an NVQ3 as a Cook, you would require the 3 years work experience as a Cook.
If you do not hold an NVQ3 as a Cook, then you are required to have a minimum of 5 years paid work experience as a Cook.