Commis Chef Apprentice

Summary

The Potting Shed is situated in the beauty of the New Forest and attracts both local and seasonal guests all year round. We take pride in providing a welcoming cosy environment serving a homemade and often homegrown menu.

Wage

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Depending on age. We pay fortnightly and you will receive a share of tips on top of pay.

Training course

Commis chef (level 2)

Hours

4 days per week plus 1 extra for day release college. Days and shifts to be confirmed.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 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

You will work daytime hours (4 days) and will have the opportunity to help create exciting menus that cater to the tastes of our diverse clientele.

You should have a passion for cooking and be eager to learn. Good communication and organisational skills are needed for this role. We have a friendly team whilst having fun along the way. This is a great opportunity for someone with a passion for cooking and to work with both of our Chefs and become part of our team.

Prepping food for both breakfast and lunch menu, helping both our Chefs to prepare for the day and the coming week. Learning how the kitchen runs, hygiene and cleaning practices, being involved with the menu choices twice yearly. Coming up with a Special which we will put on our specials board and enjoy being part of our fun team.

Where you'll work

The Potting Shed
Hyde, Fordingbridge
SP6 2QB

Training

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

College or training organisation

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

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

1 day release at Bournemouth and Poole College.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

minimum of 4 to include English and Maths (grade 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

Attention to detail
Communication skills
Creative
Initiative
Organisation skills
Presentation skills
Team working

Other requirements

You will also be required to apply for and attend an academic interview at Bournemouth and Poole College. Driving licence or guaranteed lift to and from work.

About this company

We are a lovely little cafe in Hyde in the New Forest. We have a team of 2 Chefs already alongside 8-10 front of house staff. We have a great reputation for home made food and enjoy some very good reviews. We are busy all year round but very busy in the summer season so it is a very busy position.

After this apprenticeship

Progression to Full Time employment.

Ask a question

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