Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare and serve delicious meals for guests.
- Company: HF Holidays is a leading co-operative offering unforgettable walking holidays since 1913.
- Benefits: Enjoy live-in accommodation, free meals, tips, discounts, and health support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment while pursuing your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: This is a 15-month apprenticeship with on-site training and monthly challenges.
Location: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TY
Contract: Full Time, 40 Hours per week
Salary: £10.00 per hour
Reporting to: Head Chef
Live in: Live in accommodation available inclusive of all bills, 3 meals per day, Laundry & Free wifi
Employee Benefits:
- Equal share of tips paid monthly
- Free Uniform
- 28 Days Holiday pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
- Pension Contributions
- Volunteer Day
- Group Life Assurance
- Cinema Discounts
- Online Shopping Discounts
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Virtual GP
- Health & Wellbeing Support 24/7 Helplines with access to trained counsellors for support on Mental Health, Relationships, Work, Stress, Bereavement, Finances, Childcare and much more
- Exclusive discounts on our holidays for you, your friends and family
- Annual familiarization visit at any of our country houses for you and your family
What will you be doing:
At our Derwent Bank Country House, we accommodate up to 66 guests, providing guided and self-guided walking tour holidays. As part of your Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship, you will work as part of our kitchen to prepare and serve a diverse food offering. This includes breakfast, packed lunches, and a three-course evening meal served banqueting style.
Your apprenticeship will span 15 months and includes:
- On-site training with a dedicated Regional Trainer visiting once per month
- Monthly challenges to develop your knowledge
- Group workshops and supplier visits to enhance your learning experience
With full support throughout your journey, you will gain valuable skills in areas such as knife techniques, stock control, the preparation of sauces, vegan dishes, fish, poultry, kitchen management and much more.
Our kitchen operates uniquely, as we always know in advance how many guests we will host each week, and mealtimes are fixed. This allows us to plan menus ahead of time and manage pre-orders for both lunch and dinner efficiently.
About you:
We are very excited to be recruiting the next generation of chefs into our country houses and would love to hear from you if you are passionate about carving a career as a chef. We are looking for aspiring chefs who are enthusiastic, passionate about cooking, dedicated to learn and able to work as part of a team. If this is you, then we would love to hear from you.
Our Application Process:
If successful, you will be invited to an online / face-to-face interview with our Apprenticeships Manager followed by a Skills Scan Assessment. If you wish to apply, please forward your CV to sarasmith@hfholidays.co.uk - we’d love to hear from you!
Equity and Diversity:
We recruit, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. HF Holidays has a longstanding policy of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of discrimination; We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against candidates based on any of the protected characteristics set out under the Equalities Act 2010 or any other characteristic protected by law.
HF Holidays also provides reasonable adjustments to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. We are a member of the Business Disability Forum, a Disability Confident Employer and we operate the Guaranteed Interview Scheme to those candidates who meet our essential criteria. If you need to enquire about a reasonable adjustment, need assistance with completing the application process or wish to be interviewed under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, please email sarasmith@hfholidays.co.uk or call on (0) 796 561 0992.
Contact Detail:
HF Holidays Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cuisine and dietary requirements that may be served at Derwent Bank. Understanding the types of meals you’ll be preparing can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for cooking by discussing any relevant experiences or projects you've undertaken, whether it's cooking for friends or experimenting with new recipes. This enthusiasm can really resonate with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research HF Holidays and their commitment to sustainability and community. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs can make a strong impression during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during your interview about the apprenticeship programme and the kitchen environment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in the kitchen or food preparation. Include any culinary courses or certifications you've completed, as well as any teamwork or customer service skills that would be beneficial in a kitchen environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for cooking and your desire to learn. Mention specific aspects of the apprenticeship that excite you, such as the opportunity to work with a dedicated Regional Trainer and participate in group workshops.
Showcase Your Enthusiasm: In your application, convey your enthusiasm for becoming a chef. Share any personal experiences that have inspired you to pursue this career path, whether it's cooking at home, working in a restaurant, or simply a love for food.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your application to the correct email address provided in the job description. Double-check that your CV and cover letter are attached before hitting send, and make sure to format your documents professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at HF Holidays Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and the culinary arts during the interview. Share any personal experiences or inspirations that led you to pursue a career as a chef, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research HF Holidays and their unique approach to providing walking holidays. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate, showing that you are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Since this is a chef apprenticeship, be ready to answer practical questions about cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management. Brush up on your knowledge of knife skills, sauces, and menu planning to impress your interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As the role requires working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, highlighting your ability to communicate and support your colleagues.