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- Tasks: As an Apprentice Chef, you'll cook nutritious meals and learn high-pressure cooking skills.
- Company: Join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and support our ships while travelling the world.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary over £20,500, earned leave, and world-class training.
- Why this job: Experience unique challenges, develop culinary skills, and create a home-like atmosphere at sea.
- Qualifications: No prior qualifications needed; just a passion for food and teamwork.
- Other info: Must be 17.5 years old to apply; adventurous spirit required!
Role details
What you\’ll do
It\’s not just our engines that need fuel, our people do too. As an Apprentice Chef, you\’re the person who provides it, with three square meals every day. The nutritious food you provide will keep your crewmates going, so they can keep our ships moving. Alongside the Head Chef, you\’ll learn all about high-pressure, high-volume cooking, as well as gaining skills in fine dining. From day one you\’ll be travelling the world, using new ingredients and experiencing things you\’d never encounter in a civilian apprenticeship.
Your role
- Start your professional cookery career by learning how to use a variety of ingredients and styles. You\’ll work under the guidance of an experienced Head Chef, creating varied menus for the entire crew.
- Outside of the galley, you\’ll have crucial duties to perform as part of the ship\’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and being a member of the damage control team.
- Unlike most civilian apprenticeships, you\’ll have real responsibility from the day you start, working in challenging environments all over the world. The ship\’s galley is hot and hectic, so you\’ll need to have a calm temperament at all times.
- It\’s your job to make the ship feel like a home from home for your crewmates. Many of them will be at sea for months at a time and will look forward to the food you cook, whether it\’s Friday Fish, or dinner for a social event.
Pay & benefits
- A starting salary of more than £20,500
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 7 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
Skills for life
Qualifications you\’ll gain
- Gain a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship
- MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA
Skills you\’ll develop
- An in-depth knowledge of high-volume, high-pressure cooking
- The ability to manage stores and ingredients, while creating interesting menus for a ship\’s company
Eligibility
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
- No qualifications are required for this role
- Must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
- Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket
Skills & interests
- A passion for food and hospitality
- Great at working as part of a team
- First-class communication
- A sense of adventure
Joining process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you\’ll take to join as a rating.
Step 1
Apply
Fill in an online application form
Step 2
Eligibility
We will request copies of certification to ascertain your suitability for the role
Step 3
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
You will be asked to attend an Armed Forces Careers Office close to your home where you will conduct the DAA.
Step 4
Sift
Your application will go forward for sift by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who will check that you have the knowledge and potential to succeed in your chosen role
Step 6
Interview
If you are successful at interview, you will be offered a contract
Step 5
Training
If successful, you will be offered a place at HMS Raleigh where you will begin your initial training, then onto the Defence School of Logistics, Worthy Down
Apprentice Chef (RFA) employer: Royal Navy
Contact Detail:
Royal Navy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef (RFA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with high-pressure cooking techniques. Since you'll be working in a fast-paced environment, understanding how to manage your time and ingredients effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for food and hospitality during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the culinary arts.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your teamwork skills. As an Apprentice Chef, you'll be part of a crew, so emphasising your ability to work collaboratively and support your colleagues will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) by researching what to expect. Understanding the assessment process will help you feel more confident and ready to showcase your potential.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef (RFA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Apprentice Chef. Familiarise yourself with the high-pressure cooking environment and the importance of providing nutritious meals for the crew.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills related to cooking, teamwork, and communication. Even if you don't have formal qualifications, showcase your passion for food and hospitality in your CV.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the unique opportunities it offers. Mention your willingness to learn and adapt in challenging environments, as well as your excitement about travelling and working on a ship.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your motivations for applying and how you handle pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Navy
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and hospitality during the interview. Share any experiences you have, whether it's cooking at home or in a professional setting, to demonstrate your genuine interest in the culinary arts.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As an Apprentice Chef, you'll be working closely with others in a high-pressure environment. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with a team in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to support your colleagues.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The galley can be a hectic place, so it's important to convey that you can maintain composure in stressful situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage stress effectively and share those stories to illustrate your calm temperament.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the training process. This shows your interest in the position and helps you understand what to expect. Inquire about the types of cuisines you'll be working with or the challenges faced in high-volume cooking.
