At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare and present delicious meals for residents.
- Company: Award-winning care home group known for its supportive work environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid breaks, staff meals, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and recognition within the company.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on training from an experienced head chef.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and willingness to pursue NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
£13.59 per hour plus company benefits
Full Time Hours
A Top 20 Care Home Group 2026! Awarded ‘One of the UK's Best Companies to Work For'
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Heathland House is a stunning 66 bedded luxurious residential and dementia care home situated in Ferndown, Dorset. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Kitchen Assistant/Cook who wishes to progress to be a Trainee Chef under the mentorship and training of our Head Chef. Working alongside our head chef and the kitchen team, you will provide a high quality catering and dining experience to all our residents, guests and visitors.
We are looking for someone who has enrolled on a NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking or will be willing to do so. You will need to have gained experience in a kitchen environment and can demonstrate some key cookery skills and knowledge. You will have the opportunity to attend food preparation workshops to support your training. We are looking for someone who is reliable, a hard worker and can demonstrate a compassionate nature to our residents.
Our team member benefits include:
- Paid Breaks
- Uniforms
- Staff Meals
- Nest Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Care Workers Charity
- ‘Spice of Life' – Discount Retail Scheme
- Cycle Scheme
- Eye Care
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Reward Vouchers
- Quarterly & Annual Company Recognition Awards
Main Responsibilities:
- Follow a 4-week Rota, developed by the head chef.
- Assist with the quarterly review of menus, in line with seasonal changes.
- Prepare, cook and present meals attractively. The majority of the menu will be home cooked with minimal use of convenience foods. This will include home baked biscuits and cakes provided daily.
- Modified meals and snacks will be provided in line with operational procedures.
- Provide a breakfast service to our residents in line with their requests.
- Serve food to residents in dining areas at lunch and supper times ensuring a rotation of catering staff between communities of the care facility.
- Ensure that a high standard of cleanliness is maintained in the main and satellite kitchens.
- Understand how to order all catering supplies through nominated suppliers, managing budgets accordingly.
- Learn how to prepare food.
- Ensure that stock levels within the catering department are adequate, rotated, used effectively and secured at all times.
Person Specification:
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload and work under pressure
- Energetic, passionate and proactive attitude
- Awareness of COSHH and CQC regulations
- Effective management and leadership skills
- Good communication skills with open and collaborative working
- The ability to work well within the team
Trainee Chef in Exeter employer: Cinnamon Care
Wellington Vale is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's Best Companies to Work For, offering a supportive and rewarding work culture that prioritises employee satisfaction and growth. With competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where they can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Located in a purpose-built care home, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and a chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering outstanding hospitality services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Chef in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with people in the industry, attend local food events, or join cooking classes. You never know who might have a lead on a Trainee Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got some tasty dishes up your sleeve, why not whip them up for friends or family? Snap some pics and share them on social media to showcase your culinary flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – follow up! After sending your application through our website, drop a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows you’re keen and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how you’d handle kitchen challenges or work with a team. Being ready will help you shine when it’s time to impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Chef in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences that sparked your interest in the culinary world. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any kitchen experience you've got, even if it's just as a Kitchen Assistant or Cook. Tell us about the skills you've picked up and how they relate to the Trainee Chef role. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Heathland House.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinnamon Care
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and cooking techniques relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of seasonal produce and how to prepare them, as this will show your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing high-quality meals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous kitchen experience in detail. Highlight specific tasks you've undertaken, such as meal preparation or working under pressure. This will help demonstrate your readiness to take on the Trainee Chef role and your ability to learn quickly.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with the head chef and other kitchen staff, it's important to convey your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the types of dishes you’ll be preparing, or how the kitchen team collaborates on menu planning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and eagerness to learn.
