At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn professional cooking skills and prepare fresh seafood in a supportive kitchen team.
- Company: Rockfish, a top seafood restaurant chain with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, 28 days holiday, and a paid sabbatical after 10 years.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a friendly, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on training from experienced chefs.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just passion for cooking and a great attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Love cooking at home? Dream of turning it into a career? This is your chance to join Rockfish and learn from some of the best seafood chefs in the UK — no experience required, just passion, curiosity, and a great attitude. Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, is a unique seafood business with 10 restaurants across the Southwest. Mitch has spent 25 years as a chef, restaurateur, and fishmonger, and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in sustainable seafood. We serve MSC‑certified fish landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market, and we’re proud to be one of the Top 50 Best Companies to Work For in the UK. If you’re excited by fresh ingredients, learning new skills, and building a long‑term career, this is the perfect place to start.
Your Role as a Trainee Chef
- You’ll be part of a supportive kitchen team, learning the foundations of professional cooking from scratch:
- Preparing the freshest seafood and ingredients
- Learning knife skills, prep techniques, and kitchen organisation
- Supporting chefs during service
- Following food safety and hygiene standards
- Growing your confidence in a fast‑paced, friendly environment
You don’t need experience — we’ll teach you everything.
Your Career Path – Grow With Us
We believe in developing our people and promoting from within. As a Trainee Chef, you’ll follow a clear, structured pathway:
- Trainee Chef → Prep Chef → Commis Chef → Chef de Partie → Junior Sous → Senior Roles
You’ll receive:
- Hands‑on training in seafood
- Knife‑skills coaching
- Food safety
- Mentorship from experienced chefs
This isn’t just a job — it’s the start of a real career.
What’s in It for You?
Pay & Perks
- Competitive pay + weekly tips via Tip Jar
- Refer‑a‑friend bonuses
Time to Recharge
- Your birthday off
- 28 days holiday
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day OFF
- Winter working patterns with full pay
- 4‑week paid sabbatical after 10 years
Health & Wellbeing
- 24/7 wellbeing support (counselling, financial & legal advice)
- Use of Rockfish paddleboards on your breaks
Why Rockfish?
We’re passionate about:
- Fresh, sustainable seafood
- Developing future chefs
- Creating kitchens where people feel supported and valued
- Building long‑term careers, not short‑term jobs
If you love cooking and want to learn from the best, you’ll thrive here. Ready to Start Your Kitchen Career? Bring your enthusiasm, your love of food, and your willingness to learn. We’ll give you the skills, the support, and the opportunities to grow. Apply now and start your journey with Rockfish.
Prep Chef employer: Dartmouth - Restaurant
Rockfish is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members, offering a clear career pathway from Trainee Chef to senior roles within a supportive and friendly kitchen environment. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like a paid sabbatical after ten years, Rockfish fosters a culture of well-being and sustainability, making it an ideal place for those passionate about seafood and culinary arts to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prep Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Rockfish. Understand their values, their commitment to sustainable seafood, and what makes them unique. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills at home! Even if you don’t have professional experience, showing off your passion for cooking can really impress the chefs. Try out new recipes, experiment with seafood, and be ready to talk about your culinary adventures during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be enthusiastic and open-minded! Rockfish is looking for people who are eager to learn and grow. During your interview, let your passion for food shine through and express your willingness to take on challenges in the kitchen. A positive attitude can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about starting your kitchen career with Rockfish. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Prep Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with seafood and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Keep It Simple:Don’t overcomplicate things! Use clear and straightforward language in your application. We appreciate honesty and a genuine tone, so just be yourself and express your eagerness to learn.
Highlight Your Curiosity:Since we’re looking for someone with a great attitude and a willingness to learn, mention any experiences that show your curiosity about food or cooking. Even if it’s just cooking at home, we want to hear about it!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with Rockfish. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmouth - Restaurant
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your love for cooking during the interview. Talk about your experiences in the kitchen, even if they are just home-cooked meals. This will show that you have the enthusiasm and curiosity that Rockfish is looking for.
✨Research Rockfish and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with Rockfish's commitment to sustainable seafood and their approach to cooking. Mentioning specific dishes or practices from their menu can demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Think of a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training process, the kitchen culture, or how they support career growth. This shows that you’re serious about your future and eager to learn.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since no experience is required, highlight your eagerness to learn new skills and techniques. Share examples of how you've quickly picked up new things in the past, whether in cooking or other areas, to reassure them that you’ll thrive in their training environment.
