Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve nutritious meals in a fun school environment.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading caterer serving over 16 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Earn £12.84 per hour, enjoy school holidays off, and receive uniform.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and exclusive discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 14123 - 14123 £ per year.
Assistant Cook based at Hazeldene Primary School 25hpw. At HCL, safeguarding is our number one priority. The safety of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly serve over 16 million meals a year, delivering outstanding dining experiences across schools and the commercial sector.
As an Assistant Cook, you will be supporting the cook manager helping to prepare and serve nutritious food, while working as part of a team to deliver a great lunch service.
Let's talk about the role of an Assistant Cook:- Prepare nutritious meals that meet client and student expectations
- Demonstrate a positive, team-oriented attitude with strong communication skills
- Support the Cook Manager with general tasks as required
- Assist with stock control and inventory management
- Represent the brand professionally, always maintaining a positive image
- Adhere to all food safety and hygiene standards
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations
- Committed to safeguarding children and young people
- Previous experience in education catering or a similar environment is essential
- Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate (required)
- Strong knowledge of health and safety requirements within a school environment
- Clear understanding of key allergens and the ability to cater for a wide range of special dietary requirements
- Competent in using IT systems for ordering, inventory monitoring, and maintaining accurate allergen records
- Able to support and work collaboratively as part of a team
- Salary: £12.84 per hour (£14,123 per annum)
- Hours: 25 hours per week - No Weekends, No Late Nights
- Schedule: Term Time Only - Enjoy all School Holidays off
- Uniform provided
- Rewards: Spread the Word & Earn Up to £500 - Refer a Friend! (T&Cs apply)
- Succeed with us: Career progression opportunities
- Exclusive discounts: via VIVUP for supermarkets, cinemas, retail, dining, hotels, and family activities
- Wellbeing matters: Support through EAP & Financial Support via Stream
- Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS Disclosure paid by HCL - No Cost to You
If you're passionate, driven and ready to grow, we'd love to hear from you. Take the first step and apply online - your Assistant Cook career with HCL starts here.
Assistant Cook in Colchester employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! Visit Hazeldene Primary School if you can, or check out their website. Understanding the vibe and values of the place will help you connect with the team during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your food hygiene knowledge! Make sure you're familiar with the latest health and safety regulations. Being able to chat confidently about these topics will show that you're serious about keeping the kids safe.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teamwork skills! Think of examples where you've worked well in a team before. The role is all about collaboration, so being able to share your experiences will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly. Let’s get your Assistant Cook career started!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking and serving nutritious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your love for food and how it can positively impact children’s dining experiences.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be working as part of a team, make sure to emphasise your ability to collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before, especially in a kitchen or catering environment.
Be Clear About Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate and any relevant experience in education catering. We want to see that you understand the importance of health and safety standards in a school setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Nutrition
Familiarise yourself with the principles of nutrition and how they apply to school meals. Be ready to discuss how you can prepare nutritious meals that cater to various dietary requirements, as this will show your commitment to the role.
✨Team Spirit is Key
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team during the interview. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as this role requires a positive, team-oriented attitude.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on food safety and hygiene standards, especially in a school environment. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations and any relevant certifications, like your Food Hygiene Level 2.
✨Show Your Passion for Catering
Express your enthusiasm for working in education catering. Discuss why you want to be an Assistant Cook and how you can contribute to creating outstanding dining experiences for students, which aligns with the company's mission.