At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in meal preparation and service while maintaining high hygiene standards.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Solent University with a passion for food.
- Benefits: Earn £12.96 per hour, enjoy free meals, uniform, and parking.
- Other info: Flexible hours, mentorship, and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with an apprenticeship and hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: A love for food, eagerness to learn, and a can-do attitude.
We're on the lookout for passionate, energetic, food-loving individuals to join us as a Kitchen Assistant. Whether you're looking for a rewarding catering role or are interested in progressing through our Sodexo Apprentice Culinary Academy, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Gain
- A fully funded apprenticeship pathway progressing from Level 2 Commis Chef to Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef
- Real job experience in a fast‑paced, professional kitchen – learning from talented chefs
- Ongoing mentorship, training, and support via the Sodexo Apprentice Culinary Academy
- Specialist culinary masterclasses, events and competitions, including Plant Forward, Nutrition, and Chocolatier Masterclasses!
- A role that evolves with you. Grow your skills, shape your own journey, and build a career you're proud of
What You'll Do
- Support the preparation and service of meals and refreshments to agreed standards
- Assist with hospitality services, including set up, service, and clear down
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety
- Support the kitchen team with daily operational duties
- Follow all Health & Safety, COSHH, and food hygiene procedures
- Assist with catering for customers with dietary requirements and allergies
- Report any incidents, hazards, or maintenance concerns promptly
- Attend training sessions and team meetings as required
Who's This For
- Interest in food and catering, with the opportunity to gain a culinary qualification and build a career through our apprenticeship programme.
- Love food, cooking, and making people happy through great meals
- Confident, curious, and keen to get stuck in with a can‑do attitude
- Ready to learn, grow, and take your skills to the next level
- Awareness of food hygiene and health & safety standards
Eligibility for Apprenticeship
- You should have resided in the UK for the past 3 years or possess 'settled status.'
- You must not have acquired similar prior learning.
- Apprenticeships are for all ages, so whether you've just left education, returning from a career break or looking for a new direction this could be the perfect opportunity!
What we offer
Here, you're welcomed for who you are, encouraged to bring your ideas and purpose to the table, and given the opportunity to make a real difference. You'll find support, flexibility, and room to grow. With over 20 Sodexo benefits, including a competitive retirement plan, discounts at 1,900+ retail brands, great gym offers, and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for emotional, legal, and financial support. Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Kitchen Assistant in Southampton employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Sodexo, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for food and catering thrives. Located at Solent University in Southampton, our Kitchen Assistant role not only provides competitive pay and free meals but also opens doors to a fully funded apprenticeship pathway, allowing you to grow your culinary skills while receiving ongoing mentorship and support. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and encourages personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Southampton
✨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 Kitchen Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place Limited!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place Limited!
