At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn from expert chefs while creating high-quality dishes and enhancing customer experiences.
- Company: Join Fenwick, the UK's largest family-owned department store with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Gain a nationally recognised qualification and hands-on experience in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Other info: Progression to level 3 catering programmes available after completion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with full training and exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
- Qualifications: No prior kitchen experience needed; just bring your passion for cooking and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Learning from our experienced chefs, you would deliver a consistently high standard of quality food, using knowledge of food and hospitality trends to help drive sales whilst contributing to a fantastic customer experience.
Fenwick is the UK’s largest family-owned department store group with a proud heritage and rich history. We are on an exciting journey of investment and transformation, building a future every bit as bold and brilliant as our past. Join us and be part of something special.
Would you thrive in a structured apprenticeship programme, learning from expert chefs while gaining a nationally recognised qualification? After the success of last year’s Chef Academy, we’re delighted to open applications for our next Chef Academy Apprenticeship Programme, in partnership with Gateshead College. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established business and begin your journey as part of our ever-evolving Chef Academy, with exciting culinary developments including collaborations with local brands and enhanced learning events. You don’t need prior kitchen experience – just enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Full training will be provided to successful candidates.
Hosted in our Newcastle flagship store, 4 days per week working alongside our experienced chefs. Learning: 1 day per week at Gateshead College studying for your Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship qualification.
Experience: Hands-on learning in a fast-paced environment, developing the essential skills for a rewarding culinary career. If working with fresh ingredients and creating food from scratch motivates you, then Fenwick would be an ideal option to start your chef career. You will rotate between restaurants and our in-house patisserie kitchen, ensuring you have learnt as many skills as you possibly can from this apprenticeship.
Progression to level 3 catering programmes.
Skills Required
- Adaptability
- Willingness to learn
- Passion for cooking
- Interest in chef career
Qualifications
- Desire - GCSE - English - C/grade 4
- Desire - GCSE - Maths - C/grade 4
Course Information
- Course: Commis chef (level 2)
- Level: 2
- Route: Catering and hospitality
- Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
- Working Week: 1 day at college, 4 days at Fenwick
- Expected Duration: 1 Year
- Number of Positions Available: 3
- Training Provider: GATESHEAD COLLEGE
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Academy Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Dive into the local food scene by attending food festivals, culinary competitions, or community events. These gatherings are perfect for networking with industry professionals, showcasing your passion for hospitality, and even finding potential apprenticeship opportunities!
✨Join Hospitality Forums and Groups
Get yourself on platforms like Facebook or MeetUp and join hospitality-specific groups. Sharing your enthusiasm and connecting with people already in the industry can provide inside info and even lead to apprenticeship openings you might not find elsewhere.
✨Visit Local Venues Directly
Don’t underestimate the power of a face-to-face encounter! Pop into local restaurants or cafes with your bright smile and a keen interest in learning. Many places are keen to take on apprentices, especially if you can show a genuine interest right at their doorstep.
✨Utilise School Resources
If you're currently studying, make sure you chat with your college’s career services team. They often have exclusive partnerships with local businesses and can help you find apprenticeships in hospitality, especially tailored to new entrants like us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Academy Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at FENWICK,LIMITED, make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for food and service. Share any relevant personal experiences, whether it’s working at family gatherings or volunteering at local events. This showcases your commitment and love for the industry right from the start!
Highlight Customer Service Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a formal hospitality setting, include any customer service roles you’ve had. This could be anything from helping out at a café to retail positions. Emphasising skills like communication and problem-solving will help us see that you're equipped to make customers feel welcome at FENWICK,LIMITED.
Don’t Forget about Food Safety Knowledge:While you may still be learning, showing that you have a basic understanding of food hygiene and safety can set your application apart. Even mentioning food handling courses or certifications you’ve completed, or simply your willingness to learn, demonstrates readiness to jump into the apprenticeship and make the most of it!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Keep your CV focused and concise by tailoring it specifically for this apprenticeship. Highlight skills like teamwork and adaptability, which are crucial in hospitality. We want to see potential and enthusiasm, so it’s okay if you don’t have extensive experience yet—just show us that you're eager to learn and grow with FENWICK,LIMITED!
How to prepare for a job interview at FENWICK,LIMITED
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at FENWICK,LIMITED, brush up on your knowledge of the menu items they offer. Being able to discuss their signature dishes or even suggest a popular pairing shows your passion and readiness to dive into the culinary world!
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled challenging customers or gone the extra mile to ensure someone has a great experience, even if it's from a school project or family gatherings. They want to see your attitude!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn can be your biggest asset. Talk about your motivations for choosing the hospitality sector, and express your excitement to learn the ropes from experienced professionals at FENWICK,LIMITED. They’ll appreciate your fresh perspective and ambition!
✨Brush Up on Basic Food Safety
Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards is super important in the hospitality industry. Familiarise yourself with basic food safety principles to discuss during your interview. Show that you understand why this knowledge matters, especially in a bustling environment like FENWICK,LIMITED!
