At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students in a busy kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding Institute of Technology, known for its supportive and aspirational culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, a pension scheme, health benefits, and free early morning snacks.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and a vibrant community await you!
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives through healthy and tasty food options.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and a Food Hygiene Certificate are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours a week, term-time only (38 weeks) Institute of Technology Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is one of the very best colleges in the country.
In October 2024 we became the first and only further education provider in England to achieve a full set of outstanding grades in consecutive Ofsted Inspections.
This includes recognition of our strong contribution towards meeting Local Skills Needs under the latest version of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
The inspection report praised all areas of the College's provision and acknowledged NSCG's ?teachers create highly supportive, calm and highly aspirational environments in which learners and apprentices thrive'. ?
To read the full Ofsted report for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, please visit the Ofsted Government website, select Find an Inspection Report and search for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
The group is currently home to a population of over 6,500 full-time students with around 2000 adult learners and students on higher education programmes.
We have over 1,500 apprentices where we work with over 850 individual employers.
Our Sixth Form provision has a reputation for high academic achievement and excellence.
Working at the Institute of Technology, duties include working in a busy kitchen, preparation and cooking a range of food items, service and sale of food to students and staff and stakeholders, Ordering and checking goods inward and keeping areas clean.
Assisting with the supervision of a team of catering assistants.
To be successful, you will have previous experience of cooking in a large scale catering environment, ideally in education, and have a good understanding of providing healthy eating options.
You will hold an Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate and NVQ Level 2 Food Preparation and Cooking or equivalent.
The college offers and excellent benefits package which includes: Local Government Pension Scheme Term-time working Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary sacrifice).
Excellent Training and Development Opportunities (supported with a dedicated budget).
Health-related benefits including subsidised health scheme On site restaurant facilities and FREE early morning coffee/tea and toast To apply for the role of Cook - IOT, please go to select ?Apply' to complete an online application form.
Sunday 2 nd August 2026 This college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All college based positions are subject to enhanced DBS check and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
Contact Details:
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Food Cook in Stafford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Food Cook in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
