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 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
✨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 cookery skills, why not whip up a dish and share it on social media? Tag potential employers and let them see what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values. Check out our website for openings at Heathland House and show us why you’d be a great fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how you can demonstrate your passion for cooking and caring for residents. We want to see your personality shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's baking at home or working as a Kitchen Assistant. We want to know what makes you excited about becoming a Trainee Chef!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure to organise your thoughts before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinnamon Care
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with common ingredients and cooking techniques relevant to the role. Being able to discuss your experience with specific dishes or cooking methods will show your passion and knowledge, which is crucial for a Trainee Chef.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since you'll be working in a care home, it's important to demonstrate your compassionate nature. Think of examples where you've shown empathy or understanding in previous roles, especially in a kitchen or customer service environment.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
Prepare questions about the training and mentorship you'll receive from the Head Chef. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow in the role, and it also helps you understand how the company supports its staff.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work well within a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, as teamwork is essential in providing a high-quality dining experience for residents.
