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 personal growth and recognition.
- 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.
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 Ferndown employer: Cinnamon
Heathland House is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for aspiring chefs. With comprehensive training opportunities under the guidance of our Head Chef, employees can develop their culinary skills while enjoying a range of benefits including paid breaks, staff meals, and a robust employee assistance programme. Located in the picturesque Ferndown, Dorset, our care home fosters a compassionate work culture that prioritises both resident satisfaction and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Chef in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen team before your interview! Pop in for a chat or even volunteer for a shift. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a feel for the environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cooking skills! Bring along a dish you've prepared to share during your interview. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions during your interview about the menu and the cooking techniques used. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you can keep track of your progress with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Chef in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what inspires you in the kitchen. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for food and how you want to grow as a Trainee Chef.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous kitchen experience or roles you've had, even if they were as a Kitchen Assistant or Cook. We want to see how your skills can translate into this new role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the description to show that you understand the role and are a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Heathland House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinnamon
✨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 this role involves working in a care home, it's important to demonstrate your compassionate nature. Be prepared to share examples of how you've interacted with residents or customers in previous roles, highlighting your ability to create a positive dining experience.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
Express your eagerness to learn and grow in the kitchen. Ask about the food preparation workshops mentioned in the job description and how they can help you develop your skills further. This shows that you're proactive and committed to your professional development.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Ideas
Think about seasonal ingredients and how you might contribute to menu planning. During the interview, suggest a few ideas for meals or snacks that align with the care home's ethos of home-cooked food. This will demonstrate your creativity and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
