At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our culinary team and prepare high-quality meals for service personnel.
- Company: Be part of the dynamic RAF Honington team, supporting global operations.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ12.25 per hour with comprehensive training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning from experienced chefs in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with great perks and recognition for your hard work.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1200 ÂŁ per month.
Salary/Hourly Rate: ÂŁ12.25 per hour
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England, IP31 1EE
Reporting to: Service Delivery Manager
Hours/Working Pattern: 35 hours per week
Contractual Requirements: Candidates must be aged 18+, DBS Check required
Join Our Team as an Apprentice Commis Chef - RAF Honington, Suffolk. We’re excited to be recruiting an ambitious Apprentice Commis Chef (Level 2) to join our dynamic culinary team at RAF Honington. This is a 35‑hour, fixed‑term apprenticeship, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact in a truly unique environment.
About RAF Honington: Home to around 1,600 personnel—including RAF, Army, MOD Civil Servants, and Contractors—RAF Honington plays a vital role in supporting global RAF Police and RAF Regiment operations. The Station delivers initial and advanced training for RAF Regiment and RAF Police personnel, as well as pre‑deployment preparation for RAF teams worldwide.
Why Join Us? As an Apprentice Chef, you’ll work alongside an experienced and supportive brigade, gaining hands‑on experience while working towards your nationally recognised qualification. You’ll be preparing fresh, high‑quality meals that fuel and support the work of service personnel—making this a role where your contribution truly matters.
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert, structured training as part of your Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship
- Coaching and mentorship from a skilled and passionate kitchen team
- Experience within a fast‑paced, meaningful catering environment
- Opportunities to grow your career within a company that invests in its people
- Recognition and rewards for your hard work and commitment
No experience? No problem. Full training is provided, making this the perfect first step into a professional catering career. If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to start building your future as a chef, we’d love to hear from you.
On completion of the Apprenticeship, you will achieve the Commis Chef L2 and become a qualified commis chef.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Adhere to all client and company Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times, e.g. Food Handling, Manual Handling, Fire procedures.
- Complete, maintain and update all Food Safety and Health & Safety paperwork
- Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and surrounding working areas ensuring Health and Safety hazards, issues, near misses and accidents are reported to your line Manager at the earliest opportunity.
- Provide the highest level of customer service by role modelling the ESS Way values and behaviours at all times to colleagues, customers and clients.
- Ensure the recovery and storage of food, and that correct labelling procedures are followed.
- Attend and conduct regular training as directed by your line Manager according to the requirements of the company.
- Follow all waste control procedures using the Food Production Process (FPP) guidelines.
Our Ideal Apprentice Will:
- Basic food preparation and cooking skills
- Understanding of kitchen hygiene and food safety
- Ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Time management and the ability to work under pressure
- Attention to detail in food quality and presentation
- Reliability and good work ethic
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally
- Enthusiastic and motivated with a genuine interest in cooking and the hospitality industry.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Medicash - Discounted health cash plan providing cashback on a range of medical treatments including Dental, Optical and Consultant appointments for you and your family
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Sharebuy Scheme
- Recognition awards including Be a Star peer recognition and Long Service Awards
- Employee networks created and led by employees for employees
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment, Health & Wellbeing and Travel discounts
- Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- Vodafone discounts
- Ongoing training & development and career pathway
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.
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 Chef - RAF Honington in Bury St Edmunds employer: Compass Group UK & I - Apprenticeship Program
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & I - Apprenticeship Program Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef - RAF Honington in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! If you can, visit RAF Honington before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the team can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Whether it's whipping up a simple dish or experimenting with new recipes, showing off your culinary passion can really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former apprentices on social media. They can share insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at RAF Honington.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef - RAF Honington in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the culinary world. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about becoming a chef.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Apprentice Chef at RAF Honington. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your passion and qualifications come across without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our culinary team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & I - Apprenticeship Program
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Familiarise yourself with basic cooking techniques and food safety practices. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your love for cooking shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories related to food preparation or your interest in the culinary arts. This will help the interviewers see your genuine enthusiasm for becoming an Apprentice Chef.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the kitchen environment at RAF Honington. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or what a typical day looks like. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a kitchen, be ready to discuss how you work well with others. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. Highlighting your ability to communicate and support your team will make you stand out.