Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep, service, and kitchen cleaning while learning essential chef skills.
- Company: Join Elior, one of the UK's leading contract caterers with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Mental health support, exclusive discounts, and paid volunteering days available.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on training and earn while you learn!
- Qualifications: Passion for food and a willingness to learn; previous kitchen experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
Apprentice Chef in Reading employer: Lexington-Catering
Contact Detail:
Lexington-Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Visit local kitchens or catering events to network and learn from professionals. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you a taste of the real kitchen life.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite dishes and what inspires you in the kitchen. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Try cooking at home and experiment with different recipes. This will help you build your skills and give you great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're 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 kitchen culture.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Whether it's teamwork or customer service, we want to know how you fit into our kitchen team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the Apprentice Chef role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington-Catering
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share any personal experiences or dishes you enjoy making, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in catering.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with Elior and their values. Understanding their approach to food safety, customer service, and team dynamics will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food preparation and hygiene standards. Brush up on basic kitchen knowledge and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, like managing food stocks or ensuring cleanliness in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a kitchen role relies heavily on teamwork, be prepared to talk about your experiences working in a team. Highlight your ability to collaborate, support others, and contribute positively to a group environment, which is crucial for success in this apprenticeship.