At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious pastries and desserts while learning from experienced chefs in a dynamic kitchen.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, a leading independent school catering team in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Earn £13.49 per hour with perks like health plans, discounts, and career development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on experience and a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: Passion for pastry and a team-oriented mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.
Salary/Hourly Rate: £13.49 per hour
Location: Lodestone House, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF
Reporting to: Executive Chef
Hours/Working Pattern: Monday - Friday (evening and weekends paid and required term time only)
Contractual Requirements: DBS Check required
About the Role
We're currently recruiting for an ambitious Apprentice Pastry Chef to join our team at Lodestone House, working 45.8 weeks a year on a 40-hour per week contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for baking and patisserie who is eager to begin or develop their culinary career within a supportive and professional environment.
As an Apprentice Pastry Chef, you will be an integral part of our kitchen team, working alongside experienced chefs to produce high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods. You'll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced kitchen, learning essential techniques such as preparation, baking, presentation, and maintaining consistency to the highest standards. From assisting with daily production to contributing creative ideas, you'll develop a strong foundation in both classic and modern pastry skills.
Alongside your practical experience, you will benefit from a structured apprenticeship programme, giving you the opportunity to earn while you learn and achieve a recognised qualification. You'll receive ongoing support and mentoring from skilled professionals who are committed to helping you succeed and grow in your role.
In return, we offer more than just a job. You'll be part of a company that truly invests in its people, values individuality, and encourages career progression. We recognise and reward those who go above and beyond, providing opportunities to develop your skills and build a long-term career within the industry. On completion of the Apprenticeship, you will achieve the Pastry Chef L3 and become a qualified Pastry Chef.
About Lodestone House
Located on Hills Road in Cambridge, Lodestone House is a modern, purpose-built facility within a leading independent school environment. The site supports a high-volume catering operation, delivering a wide range of freshly prepared food, from daily café offerings to hospitality and event catering. With a strong focus on quality, creativity, and service, it provides an excellent setting for aspiring chefs to develop their skills in a dynamic and professional kitchen.
The key responsibilities of this role include:
- Supporting production across bread, pastries, café items, and hospitality preparation
- Assisting with a varied workload, including approximately 20% bread, 40% pastry production, 20% café items, and 20% hospitality prep
- Carrying out tasks such as laminating, filling and finishing pastries, producing desserts and chocolates, and preparing items for events
- Supporting event service and ensuring high standards of presentation
- Adapting to a varied day-to-day workload based on school operations and service demands
Our ideal apprentice will have:
- A reliable and punctual approach to work
- The ability to remain calm and perform well under pressure
- A strong team-focused mindset with a willingness to support others
- A genuine passion for pastry and the wider hospitality industry
- Excellent attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality work
- Strong numerical and communication skills
- A positive attitude and eagerness to learn and develop within a high-volume school environment
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.
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I 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!
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment.
Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Apprentice Pastry Chef - Cambridge in Newtown employer: Compass Group
At Lodestone House in Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that nurtures talent and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Apprentice Pastry Chef, you'll not only gain invaluable hands-on experience in a dynamic kitchen but also benefit from a structured apprenticeship programme designed to help you grow your culinary skills while earning a competitive salary. With a strong emphasis on employee development, recognition, and a comprehensive benefits package, we are committed to investing in your future and ensuring you thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Pastry Chef - Cambridge in Newtown
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the kitchen or café where you want to work. Show your enthusiasm and ask if you can help out for a day. This not only gives you a taste of the environment but also shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with chefs, attend culinary events, or join local cooking classes. Building connections in the industry can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research common pastry chef interview questions and practice your answers. Highlight your passion for baking and any relevant experience, even if it’s just baking at home.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and what we’re looking for, making it easier for you to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Pastry Chef - Cambridge in Newtown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastry:When writing your application, let your love for baking and patisserie shine through! Share any experiences or inspirations that fuel your passion, as we want to see your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and qualities match what we're looking for. Refer to the job description and show us why you're the perfect fit for our team at Lodestone House.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great candidate for the Apprentice Pastry Chef position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read what you’ve got to say.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Pastry Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your pastry knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different types of pastries, techniques like laminating, and key ingredients. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've supported others in previous roles or during training, highlighting your ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Bring Your Creativity
Prepare to talk about your creative ideas for pastries or desserts. Think of a unique twist you could bring to a classic recipe. This not only showcases your passion but also demonstrates your willingness to contribute creatively to the kitchen.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the apprenticeship programme, opportunities for growth, or the kitchen's approach to quality and creativity. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
