Apprentice Production Chef - Derbyshire in Compton

Salary/Hourly Rate: £14.50 per hour

Location: Derbyshire, Ashbourne, DE6 1HA

Reporting to: Unit Manager

Hours/Working Pattern: 30 hours per week (Monday - Friday 3 pm – 9 pm)

Contractual Requirements: Candidates must be aged 18+ and be able to work the specified shift pattern.

We are recruiting an ambitious Apprentice to join our team and help deliver exceptional experiences as an evening cook. You will support evening food service operations, including preparing and reheating meals, serving customers, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and customer service within a contract-catering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and reheat meals in line with company recipes, quality standards, and food safety guidelines.
• Carry out basic cooking tasks such as frying chips and preparing simple menu items.
• Serve customers confidently and courteously, providing a friendly and helpful experience.
• Operate the till, handling cash and card payments accurately.
• Refill and look after vending machines, ensuring they are well-stocked and clean.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, keeping kitchen, service, and dining areas tidy and hygienic at all times.
• Follow all health, safety, and food hygiene procedures to ensure a safe environment for customers and colleagues.

Ideal Apprentice

• Have an interest in catering or food service – previous kitchen or catering experience is helpful but not essential.
• Be willing to learn basic food preparation and cooking skills, following instructions and recipes.
• Demonstrate good customer service and communication skills, with a friendly and positive attitude.
• Be comfortable handling cash and using tills, or keen to learn (experience is an advantage, not a requirement).
• Be reliable and punctual, with the flexibility to work evening shifts where required.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team, supporting colleagues when needed.

Benefits Package

• 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 for you and your family.
• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Sharebuy scheme.
• Recognition awards including 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 – up to 15% savings at high-street and online stores via shopping cards.
• Vodafone discounts.
• Ongoing training & development and clear career pathway.

Equality and Diversity

Compass Group UK & Ireland 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.