Best route to take? Work Tier 2 Visa? From US to UK.

[M2J4L]

Hello~
I have done a lot of research relating to various visas, including the Tier 2 Work Visa which i have narrowed down to be the best route for the situation im in (although perhaps you would advise of other/better options?).

My situation is - I am from the UK, and my boyfriend is from the US. We have been together a while now and would like to figure the best route for him to be able to stay here with me in the UK for the duration that i am studying for (3 years). Although we would feel prepared to get married it would not help in this situation at all as i am under 21.

He is 23 and has a certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from studying a 1 year course in the US. I believe this profession to be included in the shortage list under "Chefs/cooks" on condition he earns £8.10 minimum in a job related to that profession. He also has experience working in the bakery section of the store he works at.

My parents are very supportive in this situation and have offered to pay residence for myself and him to stay at along with any extra costs until we are on our feet so a place to stay will be lined up for him the moment he is here. So - we won't be relying on any benefits etc.

My plan was to make up a portfolio including photo's of his work performed in college, photo's of himself, along with his resumé.. and then to contact / visit every place related to his profession that are in need of workers and to basically try impress them enough to want to go through with applying for the certificate of sponsorship/work permit. I am hoping to have more luck with employers that have their liscense to employ workers from outside the UK and have previously employed non-UK citizens (So they won't be scared off by the whole thing!)
I realise there will be costs involved with applying for the work visa on his side, and also evidence of £800 maintenance that remains in his bank account for 3 months.

My questions are:
1. Would this be our best route? (with him needing to be working full time)
2. Am i going the right way about it? Will there be a chance of this being successful?
3. What is the cost for the employer to send off for the work permit/sponsorship certificate on behalf of him.
4. Are there any necessary costs that i am missing? (Not living etc).

I may have further questions throughout the thread if i am able to get any help on these current ones. Thanks in advance for any advice/replies ~ all help would be greatly appreciated!