Apprentice Chef

Summary

Are you passionate about food and looking for your first step as a chef? Do you want to develop your cooking skills, earn while you learn, and kickstart your chef career? Here at The QHotels Collection, we are looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Chef who wants to start their culinary journey in the best hands.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Commis chef (level 2)

Hours

Shifts are allocated on a rota system working 40 hours over 5 days in a 7-day working week. There is an opportunity to work overtime during busy periods if you are 18 or over.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 10 June 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

Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for our guests
Follow brand standards and recipe specifications
Work as part of the kitchen team to meet quality standards
Be flexible to work late or unsociable hours as needed
Maintain a clean and organised kitchen workstation
Stand and move around for most of the day.

Where you’ll work

Chesford Grange Hotel
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2LD

Training

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

College or training organisation

BENSON-SMITH LIMITED

Your training course

Commis chef (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

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

You will have the opportunity to learn alongside long standing chef specialists in their field as part of our collaboration with Chef Benson-Smith Academy during your 12 month training programme to achieve an accredited Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship and have the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 Chef-de-Partie.

We will offer you:

Comprehensive on-the-job training delivered onsite with monthly masterclasses offsite
A friendly and supportive team environment
Opportunities for career progression within our 19 hotels
Support with Functional Maths and English if you are under 19 and do not have a grade 4 or below

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade C/4 or above)

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
Presentation skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

No prior experience necessary, but a strong interest in cooking is essential. The willingness to wake up early for breakfast duties or work unsociable hours. Be aware that you are on your feet most of the day. Commitment to learning and professional development. Must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

About this company

The QHotels Collection. Made up of a collection of four-star hotels and resorts across the UK, our proudly individual venues share a commitment to memorable experiences and exemplary service. Our collection is also made up of 5 branded hotels, including DoubleTree by Hilton resorts and Delta by Marriott hotels.

https://www.qhotels.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Competitive Pay: Earn while you learn and grow in your role. Employee Discounts: Enjoy discounts on food and accommodation within The QHotels Collection.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

We also offer clear progression routes where you can take your learning into your own hands to progress your career to Chef De Partie Apprentice Level 3

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