At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and develop culinary skills while working in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Bel & The Dragon, a historic coaching inn with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Benefits: 25% staff discount, fair tips, discounted hotel stays, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Flexible earning options and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on experience and world-class training.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking, teamwork, and a drive to succeed in hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Bel & The Dragon
Bel & The Dragon Cookham is one of the oldest coaching inns in England and sits on the village's picture‑postcard high street, a short stroll from the Thames path.
Bel & The Dragon offers ten beautiful en‑suite bedrooms in addition to an attractive, spacious restaurant & cosy bar area.
Chef Apprenticeship
Want to learn whilst you earn and develop your culinary skills to the highest standard?
Our award‑winning Chef Apprenticeships are among the best in the industry and provide an incredible opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed.
Working in a Bel & The Dragon Kitchen is exciting and challenging, but with a full team to support and mentor you, you'll develop a rich understanding of food and a passion for our fresh, seasonal and local produce.
You will study one day per week at one of our college partners and receive world‑class training while being paid.
When you're not at college you will work four days a week in one of our selected restaurants or hotels while being mentored by one of our Head Chefs.
- Key Attributes
- Determination – a “get up and go” attitude
- Drive to succeed – in an exciting career in hospitality
- Good communicator
- Excellent team player
- Enjoy working within a fast‑paced, hot kitchen
- Focused on the detail
- Passionate about cooking and obsessed with quality
- Reliable & trustworthy – never letting your colleagues down
Benefits
- 25% staff discount off food and drink across all our pubs and hotels for you and your friends and family. This increases the longer you work for us, up to 40%.
- A fair share of tips, paid on top of your hourly pay.
- Discounted hotel stays.
- Access to “My Fuller's” – our online benefits platform where you can make savings at 100's of retailers and access discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets and much more!
- Healthcare Cash Plan – after 1 year with us you will have access to a 24‑hour GP service and the ability to claim your money back for dentist and eyecare appointments – plus many more.
- Full induction and training.
- Opportunity to grow in your role.
- The option to receive up to 35% of your earnings as you earn them. This means you won't need to wait until payday for your money.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef Apprentice - Cookham
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Dive into the local food scene by attending food festivals, culinary competitions, or community events. These gatherings are perfect for networking with industry professionals, showcasing your passion for hospitality, and even finding potential apprenticeship opportunities!
✨Join Hospitality Forums and Groups
Get yourself on platforms like Facebook or MeetUp and join hospitality-specific groups. Sharing your enthusiasm and connecting with people already in the industry can provide inside info and even lead to apprenticeship openings you might not find elsewhere.
✨Visit Local Venues Directly
Don’t underestimate the power of a face-to-face encounter! Pop into local restaurants or cafes with your bright smile and a keen interest in learning. Many places are keen to take on apprentices, especially if you can show a genuine interest right at their doorstep.
✨Utilise School Resources
If you're currently studying, make sure you chat with your college’s career services team. They often have exclusive partnerships with local businesses and can help you find apprenticeships in hospitality, especially tailored to new entrants like us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef Apprentice - Cookham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at Bel, make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for food and service. Share any relevant personal experiences, whether it’s working at family gatherings or volunteering at local events. This showcases your commitment and love for the industry right from the start!
Highlight Customer Service Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a formal hospitality setting, include any customer service roles you’ve had. This could be anything from helping out at a café to retail positions. Emphasising skills like communication and problem-solving will help us see that you're equipped to make customers feel welcome at Bel.
Don’t Forget about Food Safety Knowledge:While you may still be learning, showing that you have a basic understanding of food hygiene and safety can set your application apart. Even mentioning food handling courses or certifications you’ve completed, or simply your willingness to learn, demonstrates readiness to jump into the apprenticeship and make the most of it!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Keep your CV focused and concise by tailoring it specifically for this apprenticeship. Highlight skills like teamwork and adaptability, which are crucial in hospitality. We want to see potential and enthusiasm, so it’s okay if you don’t have extensive experience yet—just show us that you're eager to learn and grow with Bel!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bel
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at Bel, brush up on your knowledge of the menu items they offer. Being able to discuss their signature dishes or even suggest a popular pairing shows your passion and readiness to dive into the culinary world!
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled challenging customers or gone the extra mile to ensure someone has a great experience, even if it's from a school project or family gatherings. They want to see your attitude!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn can be your biggest asset. Talk about your motivations for choosing the hospitality sector, and express your excitement to learn the ropes from experienced professionals at Bel. They’ll appreciate your fresh perspective and ambition!
✨Brush Up on Basic Food Safety
Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards is super important in the hospitality industry. Familiarise yourself with basic food safety principles to discuss during your interview. Show that you understand why this knowledge matters, especially in a bustling environment like Bel!
