Apprentice Commis Chef

Summary

We are recruiting for an Apprentice Commis Chef to join our established and well-respected catering team. Selwyn College is a beautiful college and has a reputation for friendliness and good food. You should be able to provide high-quality food and contribute to the introduction of innovative dishes to enhance the dining experience for customers.

Wage

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Commis chef (level 2)

Hours

You will be working on varied shift patterns. Exact shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The principal responsibility of the Apprentice Commis Chef is to assist the Head Chef and learn all aspects of working within a kitchen environment. The post holder will support all colleagues to ensure consistent production at the highest possible standard of food for students, Fellows, staff and conference guests, while maintaining the College’s hygiene standards.

Key duties and responsibilities

Under the direction of the Head Chef:

To work with Section Chefs and assist in providing consistently high-quality food preparation and service for the Cafeteria, Formal Hall, High Table and all College external and conference activities.
To ensure that the efficient and economic use is made of all resources and to maintain food budgets and avoid wastage.
To maintain standards of cleanliness, safety and hygiene of the premises and equipment and operate with the guidelines of Health and Safety Regulations.
To undertake regular temperature control checks and keep accurate records until such time when Food Safety Training has been completed
Involved with general duties for all areas relating to the kitchen including Kitchen Porter duties.
Experience will be given in all area of catering including; Back of House activities such as the plate wash and cleaning and Front of House activities such as counter and plate service.
To carry out reasonable additional duties and to work additional sessions as and when required particularly during periods of staff absence.
To maintain a friendly and cordial working relationship with all colleagues
Complete any assigned in-house training which will include: Food Safety Training, Health and Safety training to minimise occupational risks, including manual handling and COSHH training.
To undertake and assist in any other tasks as instructed by the Head Chef and Catering Manager within the overall function of the job.

Where you'll work

SELWYN COLLEGE
CAMBRIDGE
CB3 9DQ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Your training course

Commis chef (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Contribute to reviewing and refreshing menus in line with business and customer requirements
Use technology for the development and production of dishes and menu items in line with business procedures and guidelines to achieve the best result
Check food stocks, report on shortages, prioritise food that is close to expiry and keep the storage areas in good order
Prioritise tasks, ensuring food items meet the required quality standard and in the required time frame
Measure dish ingredients and portion sizes accurately
Use a range of craft preparation and basic cooking skills and techniques to prepare, cook and finish dishes and menu items in line with business requirements
Use correct knives and knife skills when preparing food and use the correct equipment when preparing, cooking and finishing food
Correctly store and use food items and commodities when preparing, cooking and finishing dishes to deliver a quality product that is safe for the consumer
Apply correct preparation and selection methods when using fresh produce in dishes
Complete preparation and cooking tasks to a high standard, delivered on time and presented as described within the recipe specification
Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment at all times, complete kitchen documentation as required
Work with others to ensure dishes produced are of high quality, delivered on time and to the standard required
Choose methods of communication that achieve effective team working
Develop own skills and knowledge through training and experiences
Deal with team challenges and problems constructively to drive a positive outcome
Effectively manage resources to meet specifications and control waste
Follow safe systems of work reporting risks in the appropriate manner
Contribute to reviewing and refreshing menus in line with business and customer requirements
Use technology for the development and production of dishes and menu items in line with business procedures and guidelines to achieve the best result
Check food stocks, report on shortages, prioritise food that is close to expiry and keep the storage areas in good order
Prioritise tasks, ensuring food items meet the required quality standard and in the required time frame
Measure dish ingredients and portion sizes accurately
Use a range of craft preparation and basic cooking skills and techniques to prepare, cook and finish dishes and menu items in line with business requirements
Use correct knives and knife skills when preparing food and use the correct equipment when preparing, cooking and finishing food
Correctly store and use food items and commodities when preparing, cooking and finishing dishes to deliver a quality product that is safe for the consumer
Apply correct preparation and selection methods when using fresh produce in dishes
Complete preparation and cooking tasks to a high standard, delivered on time and presented as described within the recipe specification
Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment at all times, complete kitchen documentation as required
Work with others to ensure dishes produced are of high quality, delivered on time and to the standard required
Choose methods of communication that achieve effective team working
Develop own skills and knowledge through training and experiences
Deal with team challenges and problems constructively to drive a positive outcome
Effectively manage resources to meet specifications and control waste
Follow safe systems of work reporting risks in the appropriate manner

Your training plan

Commis chef Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard.
Functional Skills in maths and English if required.
The Apprentice will work towards the achievement of NVQ level 2 Food Preparation & Cooking to gain a recognised technical certificate.
This is expected to take an average ½-1 day per week but will include on the job training.
The Apprentice will receive in-house training which will include: Food Safety Training, Health and Safety training to minimise occupational risks and will include manual handling and COSHH training.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 3/D)
Maths (grade 3/D)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Presentation skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience
Passion for food

About this company

Selwyn College provides excellent benefits, including: • A free three-course meal on duty • Free social events eg Summer and Christmas parties • Free use of the College gym • Free on-site parking • Pleasant working environment • Professional development and training opportunities • Generous pension scheme • Healthcare benefits Selwyn College is very proud of its diversity. We are keen to receive applications from people who may be under-represented in our community.

https://www.sel.cam.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, further opportunities may be available to you within the company, but the experience and skills gained should prepare you for future progression within the industry
Completion of the apprenticeship standard whilst work experience working in a kitchen environment

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Hannah

01223 418778

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000316997.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 30 June 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents