At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create delicious meals and learn essential kitchen skills.
- Company: apetito, the UK's leading food supplier for health and social care.
- Benefits: Earn £14.35 per hour, plus bonuses, holidays, and more perks!
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and a positive attitude towards teamwork.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
£14.35 per hour (£14.78 per hour from 1 May 2026) + Bonus + Benefits
Location: UK-Wiltshire-Trowbridge
Contract type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Closing date: 20th February 2026
Overview
The Low Risk Kitchen is keen to promote excellent teamwork by employing people who have a positive attitude, who are prepared to learn a number of skills so that they are able to work in various positions within the Prep Department. By achieving this, the department is in the best position to produce quality products, in an efficient manner. We aim to not only achieve our targets but improve on them as well. This position is working 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday on 14.00 - 22.00. Initially the job will start on Grade 4 (£14.35) and upon completion of required training this will rise to Grade 5 (£15.46).
Who we are
apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings. Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness. Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Weigh products to be used in recipes.
- Control leftover stock and apply FIFO methodology.
- Cook products following the recipes supplied.
- Clean pots between products and liaise with High Care Op when pump strip is required when changing from meat to vegetarian products, different species.
- Complete paperwork 100% fully, accurately and legibly – this is a legal requirement.
- It is also expected that persons in this role will be able to work in other areas as required.
- Finished cookings must be right first time.
- Ensure you carry out tasks to the required standard – if you are unsure you must check with the person running the area.
- Inform the person running the area if you think there is a potential issue with the quality of the product.
- Ensure accurate yields are attained to keep consistent product quality and enable zero devaluations for over yields.
- Taste test every cooking with another member of staff before release to the High Care Kitchen for assembly use.
- Take consistency readings against agreed specification to ensure consistency between batches fills.
About you
Essential
- Level 2 Food Hygiene
Personal Qualities
- Help the business be environmentally friendly: by keeping waste to a minimum (e.g. making products right first time).
- Have a positive attitude; will have to learn other tasks in the Prep Department if required.
- Promote good teamwork – help others. “It’s not my job” does not promote good teamwork.
- Have a desire to help the team meet the department targets.
- Undertake any training made available/organised.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route as it does not meet the minimum requirements set out under the UK Immigration Rules.
Company Benefits
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
- 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
- Subsidised canteen
- Free parking
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
- apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our Values
As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers. We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we’re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
Trainee Chef in Trowbridge employer: apetito
Contact Detail:
apetito Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Chef in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research apetito and their values. When you show genuine interest in what they do, it’ll shine through in your conversations and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork and adaptability. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your positive attitude and willingness to learn.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can tailor your application to match what apetito is looking for in a Trainee Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Chef in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what inspires you in the kitchen. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out!
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since we value teamwork, share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Whether it's in a kitchen or another setting, showing that you can collaborate effectively is key.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and keep it concise. We appreciate applications that get straight to the point while still showcasing your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with basic cooking techniques and food hygiene standards, especially Level 2 Food Hygiene. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your commitment to quality and safety in the kitchen.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since the role emphasises teamwork, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well in a team. Be ready to share how you contributed to achieving a common goal, as this will resonate with their values.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to sustainability or how they ensure product quality. This shows your genuine interest in the position and aligns with their mission.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Before the interview, practice answering common interview questions related to cooking and teamwork. You could even do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your responses.