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- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals that excite students and staff in schools.
- Company: Aspens Services, a leading contract caterer focused on school food experiences.
- Benefits: £13 per hour, Monday to Friday hours, and 25 hours a week during term time.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in children's lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience with fresh ingredients and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate preferred.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities with training and development support.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 15 £ per hour.
About us
Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don’t just serve meals – we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high-street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.
The role
As a Cook in one of our schools, you will be bringing our menus to life - creating healthy, nutritious and delicious food that’s fun for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the originality and drive to focus on the highest quality food and service, making our school meals the absolute best in the area.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Creative Menu Execution: Preparing our provided menus using your excellent craft skills.
- Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.
- Hospitality Production: Executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.
- Building Connections: Developing strong relationships with both our school clients and the students you serve.
- Service with a Smile: Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.
About you
We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience:
- Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.
- Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!).
- You’re a self-motivated person who uses your initiative, has a deep desire to learn and loves motivating others.
Why Join the Aspens Family?
- Great Work-Life Balance: You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!
- 25 hours per week, 38 weeks per year: What will you do with all that time off?
- £13 per hour
- Career Growth and Development: Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering. Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.
Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!
Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children / young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Cook in Gravesend employer: Aspens Services
Contact Detail:
Aspens Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Aspens Services and their approach to school catering. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the company culture and what it takes to succeed as a Cook at Aspens.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your cooking skills! If you get the chance, whip up some of the dishes from their menus. Bring your creations to the interview to showcase your craft skills and creativity—nothing beats a tasty demonstration!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Aspens family and ready to contribute to creating fantastic food experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and working with kids shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for creating fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your experience with fresh ingredients and any relevant catering knowledge. We’re looking for originality and craft skills, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your skills and experiences effectively without unnecessary fluff.
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, it shows you’re serious about joining the Aspens family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspens Services
✨Know Your Menus
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the menus that Aspens Services offers. Think about how you can bring creativity to these dishes and be ready to discuss your ideas. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what they do!
✨Showcase Your Craft Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with fresh ingredients and your cooking techniques. Bring examples of your previous work or even a portfolio if you have one. This will help demonstrate your craft skills and commitment to quality.
✨Emphasise Safety and Hygiene
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, make sure you highlight your knowledge of Food Hygiene practices. If you have your Level 2 Certificate, mention it! If not, express your eagerness to learn and comply with all safety standards.
✨Connect with the Kids
Aspens Services values building connections with students. Think of ways you can engage with them through food. Share any past experiences where you’ve created a fun atmosphere in the kitchen or catered to children’s tastes. This will show you’re a great fit for their team!
