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- Tasks: Prepare and present meals while maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Old Buckenham Hall, a prestigious prep school with a rich history since 1862.
- Benefits: Earn £7.55/hour with automatic pay increase after one year; enjoy online training support.
- Why this job: Gain culinary skills in a vibrant school community that values fun and development.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion for cooking and teamwork.
- Other info: Potential for full-time employment after completing the 19-month apprenticeship.
We are looking to appoint staff who are committed to supporting the development of OBH and its pupils, and who are motivated to be part of a busy rural boarding school. We value individuals who work hard and support others, but who are also able to have fun and embrace the joy of prep school education.
Apprenticeship Overview:
- Salary: £7.55 an hour, Automatic salary increase after 1 year of apprenticeship for those who are 19+
- Working Week: Monday to Friday 11 am till 7:30 pm, every other Saturday 6:30 am till 2:30 pm with a 30-minute lunch-break
- Duration: 19 months
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship standard qualification
- Online training and support by our dedicated tutors
Duties:
- Prepare meals, in accordance with agreed recipes and methods
- Present food to a high standard
- Have knowledge of key nutrient groups and specific dietary needs
- Serve food to staff and students, adhering to portion controls
- Contribute ideas for school events
- Ensure the maintenance of a clean and orderly working environment
- Undertake basic record-keeping as required
- Assist in the monitoring and arrangement of orderly and secure storage of supplies
- Operation and storage of catering equipment in accordance with instructions
- Assist in allergen labelling
Specific vacancy requirements:
- Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan.
- Contribute to the school's programme of extra-curricular activities e.g. themed lunch services.
- Support and contribute to the school's responsibility for safeguarding students.
- Work within the school's health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors.
- Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues.
- Engage actively in the performance review process.
- Adhere to Old Buckenham Hall policies and staff handbook.
- Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time.
Essential Skills Required:
- Ability to work effectively both in collaboration with other professionals/teams
- Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to relate to young people and colleagues
- Excellent organisational skills / Time management / Ability to prioritise and organise own workload / able to work to deadlines
- Desire to learn and develop culinary skills
- Approachable
- Reliable
- Well presented
- Flexible with working hours according to the needs of the school
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
The successful candidate will obtain a Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship standard qualification. Each apprentice will have a dedicated tutor who will conduct monthly remote tutorials and reviews, providing continuous support throughout the apprenticeship program. Depending on the apprentice's needs, the frequency of these sessions may vary.
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
Potential full-time employment for the right candidate upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
About the Host Employer:
Set in 85 acres of Suffolk parkland, Old Buckenham Hall is one of the country's oldest and most beautiful preparatory schools. Since 1862, it has provided children with a rigorous curriculum and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities, all underpinned by an outstanding system of pastoral care. A co-educational school for children aged 2 to 13, OBH serves a boarding and day community that go on to attend some of the most aspirational senior schools in the UK. Many of these pupils leave having achieved scholarships. Regular destinations include Eton, Harrow, Oundle, Uppingham and Rugby, as well schools in East Anglia.
James Large joined the school in September 2023 as its tenth Headmaster and now leads the school in its mission to deliver the premier boarding prep school education in the East of England. In June 2024, the school enjoyed a very successful Full Inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), with inspectors noting "leaders' continual commitment to providing the best possible education and care for pupils results in a dynamic and forward-thinking school" alongside "a culture of trust, respect and aspiration within the school community."
Pre-employment checks: Please be aware that upon a successful offer of employment, the company completes digitalised right-to-work checks and DBS applications via an external provider - 'Matrix Screening'. The company also completes an internal online social media search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Commis Chef Apprenticeship employer: LMP Group
Contact Detail:
LMP Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values. Understanding Old Buckenham Hall's commitment to education and student welfare will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your enthusiasm for being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience in a kitchen environment, even if it's just volunteering or helping out at local events. This practical knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also give you real examples to discuss when asked about your culinary skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former apprentices from Old Buckenham Hall or similar institutions. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the school's needs. Highlighting your ability to work varied hours and contribute to extracurricular activities will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Commis Chef Apprenticeship. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for cooking and working in a school environment. Mention any relevant experience, such as previous kitchen work or culinary training, and express your enthusiasm for learning and developing your skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills, ability to work in a team, and interpersonal skills in your CV. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed tasks or collaborated with others in past roles or experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at LMP Group
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for culinary arts during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that led you to pursue a career as a Commis Chef, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Understand Dietary Needs
Familiarise yourself with key nutrient groups and dietary requirements. Being able to discuss how you would cater to different dietary needs will show that you are prepared and knowledgeable about the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others. Since the role involves working in a busy kitchen environment, sharing examples of how you've successfully worked in teams will be beneficial.
✨Prepare Questions About the School
Research Old Buckenham Hall School and prepare thoughtful questions about their values, culture, and expectations. This shows your genuine interest in the school and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
