Apprentice Commis Chef The University of Reading

Exciting opportunity at the University of Reading for an aspiring chef who shares our passion for great food! We are looking for an Apprentice Commis Chef to work in our Aspiring Chef team while completing the Commis Chef apprenticeship, training 1 day/week at Reading College, with career progression opportunities after completion. Salary: £20,880

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Jun 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £20,880.00

    In addition you will receive enhanced rates of pay for early morning, evening and weekend working.

  • Working week

    You will be working 36 hours over 5 days per week (including one day at college during term time), normally Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday (exact pattern of work to be agreed in discussion with you).

    Total hours per week: 36

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    20 Apr 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000156304

  • Positions

    3 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

We produce fresh, nutritious and tasty dishes from scratch, with our menus changing daily and following seasonality across six kitchens. We are a relatively small team, so all our Chefs regularly move between sites, trading in different styles. We encourage everyone to contribute to the up-coming menus and are looking forward to holding development days where your creativity is only limited by your mind! All our colleagues play an equally important part in our operations, regardless of their role, and we promote a respectful work environment for all.

You will be working in our Aspiring Chef team, creating food for students and staff at the University. Duties will include:

  • Preparation and cooking of food for service
  • Ensuring food is presented well
  • Producing food to the specified recipe and minimising waste
  • Ensure production is carried out in accordance with the University’s food safety plan
  • Contribute to the development of the menus
  • Adapt menus to suit individual customer requirements as necessary
  • Assist with ensuring correct stock levels are maintained and wastage is minimised
  • Use the food safety management system for recording temperatures of food, monitoring temperature-controlled storage areas and recording cleaning tasks
  • Carry out duties in a manner which ensures the highest reasonably possible environmental and sustainability standards are met
  • Follow all regulations & legislation including fire procedures, C.O.S.H.H. & accident procedures

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Duration :

  • 18 months total - 15 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment

Training:

  • Work-based training on the job, working with experienced chefs at the University of Reading
  • Day release during term-time (1 day/week) at Reading College (Activate Learning)
  • All training will take place during the apprentice’s paid, working hours

End Point Assessment:

  • Knowledge Test
  • Practical Assessment
  • Professional Discussion

Qualification:

  • Level 2 (Intermediate) Commis Chef Apprenticeship

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, there will be the possibility of permanent employment and/or progression to a higher level apprenticeship, such as Level 3 Chef de Partie, for the right candidates.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade C/4 or above) Essential

Things to consider

We will review applications as they are submitted, so don't wait until the last minute to apply. Travel: there is a regular bus service from Reading Station to the Whiteknights Campus. Applications will be shared with the Training Provider (Activate Learning) so that they can assess candidate eligibility and suitability for the apprenticeship.

About the employer

‘Remarkable Kitchens at a Remarkable University’ was how Radio 4’s Food Programme summed us up after visiting us. Our love of food is in the DNA of the University, as a global leader in teaching and research in and around Agriculture, Food, Nutrition and Sustainability as well as having our own farms that supply our kitchens. We are following an ambitious vision to be the best! We are committed to the 24 Principles of Menus of Change, guiding our thinking around nutrition and sustainability. We are the first European Member of the Menus of Change Universities Research Collaborative (MCURC). MCURC is a group of 70 like-minded Universities committed to using academic and operational research to improve the health of individuals and the planet. The University of Reading enjoys a world-class reputation for its teaching, research and enterprise. 'Putting people first’ is one of our principles and we aspire ‘to be a University that is genuinely people-orientated’. We offer a stimulating working environment in one of the UK's most attractive campuses. The University is also taking up the challenge to become more environmentally friendly and has recently won a major sustainability award.

Employer

The University of Reading

Address

University of Reading

Whiteknights House

Whiteknights

RG6 6UR

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Training

Training provider

ACTIVATE LEARNING

Apprenticeship standard

Commis chef

Level 2 (GCSE)

Employer's Application Instructions

Our application form is quick and easy to complete, taking no more than 30 minutes of your time. Write 2-3 paragraphs about your passion for great food and cooking, your experience working as part of a team, and anything else interesting about you! Please copy/paste this into the “Supporting Information” section of the application form. Ensure you have any paperwork to hand relating School/College/University qualifications, Food Safety and key employment/work experience dates.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Jun 2023