Apprentice Nursery Cook
PORTLAND NURSERIES LIMITED
Huddersfield (HD3 4AL)
Closes in 18 days (Monday 30 November 2026)
Posted on 12 November 2026
Contents
Summary
We are looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Cook to join our nursery team. You will work alongside our experienced cook preparing fresh, nutritious meals for babies and young children while developing your skills and working towards a recognised catering qualification.
- Wage
-
£16,848 a year
- Training course
- Senior production chef (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Working hours will be agreed with the successful candidate and may vary depending on the needs of the nursery. No evening or weekend work is expected.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 December 2026
- 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 with preparing and cooking fresh, healthy and nutritious meals for children.
- Prepare fresh fruit, vegetables and other ingredients.
- Help prepare breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
- Follow recipes and learn a range of cooking skills and techniques.
- Support the preparation of meals to meet children's dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances.
- Learn how to handle, prepare and store food safely.
- Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, cleanliness and food safety.
- Wash up and clean kitchen equipment, work surfaces and food preparation areas.
- Assist with checking food deliveries, stock levels and use-by dates.
- Work as part of a friendly nursery team to provide healthy, balanced meals for children every day.
Where you'll work
55 New Hey Road
Huddersfield
HD3 4AL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER LTD
Training course
Senior production chef (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Supervise the production of centrally developed menu items and dishes according to organisational specifications.
- Ensure deliveries are checked and stored correctly.
- Monitor the correct use and maintenance of food production equipment.
- Acquire and share with the team up-to-date information regarding product range, brand development, promotions and current trends.
- Monitor the production of food to ensure clients’ needs are met.
- Monitor and ensure the effective implementation of food safety management systems.
- Monitor and ensure legislative compliance and the completion of due diligence documentation.
- Support team members to ensure the timely delivery of high quality food to the specification required.
- Maintain harmony across the team and with colleagues in other parts of the organisation, identifying and dealing with problems constructively to drive a positive outcome.
- Use effective methods of communication and operate in a fair and empathetic manner that achieves the desired result and demonstrates a customer centric culture.
- Identify development needs for self and team and actively encourage and support individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Effectively use techniques that support cost reduction, improve performance, revenue, profit margins and customers’ experience.
- Monitor costs, using forecasting to set realistic targets with the team.
- Effectively control resource allocation, minimise wastage and use sustainable working practices.
- Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Risk assess situations, identifying and isolating matters of concern, by establishing the cause and intervening accordingly to minimise risk to people and organisation.
- Carry out activities in line with business/brand values that actively market the business, support competitiveness and help meet business objectives.
Training schedule
Training will take place in the workplace and with the training provider. The apprentice will receive off-the-job training as part of their apprenticeship programme and will be supported by experienced members of the nursery team throughout their learning journey.
More training information
Your apprenticeship will be delivered by TOP Training. Depending on your existing kitchen experience and the level of responsibility within the role, you will be enrolled onto either the Level 2 Production Chef standard or the Level 3 Senior Production Chef standard.
Support with Functional Skills in maths and English is also provided if required.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references in line with our safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures. A commitment to maintaining high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding is essential.
About this employer
Established in 1991, Portland Nurseries is a family-owned group of exceptional children's day nurseries across Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse, dedicated to giving every child the very best start in life.
For over 35 years, we have been creating warm, nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. Our experienced Early Years Educators understand that every child is unique, building strong relationships with both children and their families to help every child grow in confidence, develop resilience, and reach their full potential.
Our bespoke curriculum is built around Curiosity, Resilience and Individuality, encouraging children to learn through meaningful play, exploration and hands-on experiences. Whether they are discovering nature outdoors, experimenting in our Science Labs, enjoying Cooking Club, learning new languages or expressing themselves through creative play, every day is filled with opportunities to explore, imagine and thrive.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities for continued employment and further career development within catering. Candidates will gain valuable skills and experience that can support progression into a range of catering and hospitality roles.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER LTD
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000063806.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Monday 30 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.