At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep, service, and kitchen cleaning while learning essential chef skills.
- Company: Join Elior, an award-winning contract caterer with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants!
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a supportive environment with expert training.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and a willingness to learn; previous kitchen experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Lexington is an award-winning contract caterer that focuses on providing great food and service to customers. To do this, we need fabulous people and we work hard to create an environment where our team members feel engaged, inspired, valued, and enjoy what they do.
Kickstart your chef career with one of the UK’s leading contract caterers – Elior! Do you have a passion for food and want to turn it into a career? Join us as an Apprentice Level 2 Production Chef and earn while you learn in a supportive, professional kitchen environment. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience, expert on-the-job training, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification – and the best part is… it won’t cost you a penny!
At Lexington, we believe in rewarding talent, which is why we pay higher than the apprenticeship rate! You’ll work alongside an experienced kitchen team, learning everything from food preparation and presentation to stock control, food safety, hygiene, and delivering excellent customer service. This is the perfect opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking, and ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in catering. Previous kitchen experience is desirable but not essential – if you’ve got the right attitude and a willingness to learn, we’d love to hear from you!
What you’ll be doing…
- Assist with daily kitchen tasks including food prep, service, and cleaning
- Support the manager in maintaining, ordering and controlling food stocks within budget
- Work as part of a supportive, experienced kitchen team
- Learn how to maintain up to date product and menu knowledge, and a high standard of food preparation and presentation
- Develop practical, professional chef skills that will prepare you for a career in catering
- Learn the importance of food safety, hygiene standards, and kitchen operations to ensure the health and safety of all kitchen and customers
What can you bring?
- Possess a passion for food and a willingness to learn
- Focused on the front line
- Genuine interest in customer service excellence
- A great team player
- Previous experience of working in a kitchen would be highly desirable but not essential
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.
Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
We Celebrate You!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!
Locations
Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef - Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Lexington-Catering
Lexington is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a supportive and engaging work environment in Ipswich. As an Apprentice Level 2 Production Chef, you'll benefit from hands-on training, competitive pay above the apprenticeship rate, and a range of perks including free meals, flexible working hours, and ample holiday time. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Lexington fosters a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to grow in their culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef - Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lexington and Elior. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try out some common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your passion for food and eagerness to learn!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a kitchen role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are ready to step into the culinary world with enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef - Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in cooking. We want to see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with our mission at Lexington.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for team players who are eager to learn, so don’t be shy about showcasing your willingness to grow!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A personal touch can make you stand out, but clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington-Catering
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food preparation and safety standards. Familiarise yourself with common kitchen practices and terminology. This will show your passion for the role and that you're ready to dive into the culinary world.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for food shine through during the interview. Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, even if they’re just at home. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask your interviewer about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
Even though it’s an apprenticeship, first impressions matter! Dress smartly and appropriately for a kitchen environment. This demonstrates your seriousness about the position and respect for the culinary profession.
