At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our vibrant kitchen team and learn essential culinary skills while preparing delicious dishes.
- Company: Aston Villa Football Club, a leading venue for unforgettable events and exceptional catering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare perks, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Kick-start your culinary career in an exciting environment with talented chefs and real impact.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, teamwork skills, and a positive attitude; previous kitchen experience is a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1200 £ per month.
Salary/Hourly Rate: £26,309 per year
Location: Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6HE
Reporting to: Head Chef
Hours/Working Pattern: 40 Hours per week, 7 Day Operation (shifts can vary depending on business needs)
Contractual Requirements: Candidates must be aged 18+
About the Role
We’re on the lookout for a driven and enthusiastic Apprentice Commis Chef to join our vibrant kitchen team at Villa Park! This is a full‑time, 40‑hour opportunity to kick‑start your culinary career in one of the most exciting hospitality environments around. As an apprentice, you’ll be right at the heart of the action - learning from talented chefs, mastering essential skills, and getting hands‑on experience preparing, cooking, and presenting dishes to top standards. You’ll keep our kitchen running smoothly with brilliant hygiene, teamwork, and a positive attitude. In return, you’ll join a company that invests in your growth, celebrates individuality, and rewards those who go the extra mile. If you’re passionate about food, eager to learn, and ready to take your first big step in the culinary world, we want to hear from you!
On completion of the Apprenticeship, you will achieve the Commis Chef L2 and become a qualified commis chef. This apprenticeship is based at Villa Park, one of our Levy UK sites. Villa Park isn’t just the home of Aston Villa Football Club - it’s one of Birmingham’s leading event destinations. From private meetings to weddings for up to 700 guests, we deliver unforgettable experiences in 114 versatile spaces, all supported by exceptional catering. We’re easy to reach - just two miles from the M6, outside Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, with over 1,000 on-site parking spaces. Ready to be part of something special? Apply today and help us create unforgettable moments at Villa Park.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Keeping high standards of personal hygiene and kitchen cleanliness, following all Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.
- Preparing, cooking, and presenting food to the standards set by senior chefs - with great portion control and attention to detail.
- Storing and disposing of food safely, and keeping fridges, freezers, and hot holding equipment at the correct temperatures (and recording them).
- Following safe catering practices at all times, including proper decanting, fridge discipline, and "clean as you go" routines.
- Maintaining accurate records and completing opening, closing, and handover procedures with a focus on safety and security.
- Working as a positive, proactive member of a busy kitchen team and supporting senior chefs whenever needed.
- Preparing ingredients - washing, peeling, chopping - and assisting with mise en place.
- Cooking and plating dishes to agreed recipes and standards.
- Safely operating kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, fryers, stoves, and microwaves.
- Setting up and closing down your workstation, including cleaning and sanitising all tools, equipment, and surfaces.
Full training will be provided - all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Our Ideal Apprentice Will
- Excellent customer services skills
- Great teamwork skills
- Attention to detail
- Organised approach
- Positive outlook and outgoing personality
- Previous kitchen experience is a big plus
Benefits Package
- Medicash - Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
- Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
- Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- Meals on duty
- Vodafone discounts
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 23 days + BH's and additional day off for your birthday
- 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during first year back
- Competitive and supportive family benefits
- Day off for baby’s first birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- On-going training & development and career pathways
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses. Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality. In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London. We are culinary champions – it’s what we do and it’s what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences. Focussed on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet. Sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.
Apprenticeship Funding Requirements
As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a short questionnaire and participate in a screening call to determine your eligibility for apprenticeship funding in line with the Department for Education funding rules. This is a mandatory step of the application process to ensure that you meet the criteria for apprenticeship funding.
Important Notice
Please note: We reserve the right to remove this advert prior to the advertised date, dependent on the level of response received. You are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.
Apprentice Commis Chef - Villa Park in Birmingham employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Commis Chef - Villa Park in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! If you can, pop by Villa Park and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the team, see how they work together, and show your enthusiasm for being part of it all.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past employees on social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for that interview! Brush up on your culinary knowledge and be prepared to discuss your passion for food. Show us that you’re eager to learn and grow in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and what we’re looking for in an apprentice.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Commis Chef - Villa Park in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen or your favourite dishes to cook. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Apprentice Commis Chef. Highlight skills like teamwork and attention to detail, as these are key in our vibrant kitchen at Villa Park.
Be Yourself: We value individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Whether you’re upbeat, quirky, or serious, just be genuine – we want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge! Familiarise yourself with common kitchen terms, cooking techniques, and the types of dishes you might be preparing. This will show your passion for food and your eagerness to learn.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
As a commis chef, teamwork is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before, whether in a kitchen or another setting. Highlight your ability to support others and maintain a positive atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
In the culinary world, precision matters. During the interview, mention any experiences where attention to detail was crucial, like following recipes or maintaining hygiene standards. This will reassure them that you understand the importance of quality in the kitchen.
✨Ask Questions About Growth
Show your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship by asking about training opportunities and career progression. This not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your long-term goals in the culinary field.