Chef Apprenticeship

Chef Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship 10.85 - 10.85 £ / hour (est.) Home office (partial)
O'Neill's

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our kitchen team, prepare and present delicious food while learning from passionate chefs.
  • Company: Mitchells and Butlers, a leading hospitality company with 19 brands.
  • Benefits: 33% staff discount, financial toolkit, gym discounts, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with regular socials and excellent growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Gain a nationally recognised qualification while working in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for cooking and a willingness to learn.

The predicted salary is between 10.85 - 10.85 £ per hour.

Overview

As a Chef with us, your food is the reason guests keep coming through our doors.

You'll thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, pulling together as a team.

With 19 brands and 1600 businesses, there are opportunities to develop and grow in one of our kitchens.

At Mitchells and Butlers you will be working towards a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship standard over the course of 15 months.

You'll take on a full-time role in the kitchen under the supervision of passionate chefs alongside your training.

You gain a nationally recognised qualification and contribute to the running of our kitchens to ensure quality for our guests.

You don’t need prior experience; if you are willing to learn, have a passion for cooking and are proud to work with us, we can show you what it takes to become a vital team member in any kitchen.

Note: Some content refers to age requirements for safety and operational needs in this role.

Responsibilities

  • Have open communication with the entire team to ensure outstanding food and service, promoting a supportive atmosphere where you assist other team members whenever possible.
  • Participate and contribute to team meetings, offering your insights.
  • Prepare, cook and present food quickly, safely and efficiently to brand standard.
  • Handle guest queries and complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of the kitchen and back-of-house areas with attention to detail.
  • Set up and close down the department including stock rotation and prep and par processes.
  • Keep up to date with business information, promotions and new products.
  • Participate in all in-house training, e-learning and completion of assigned learning modules.
  • Adhere to brand standards, licensing laws and all company policies and procedures.
  • Complete all appropriate documentation, due diligence records, and daily and weekly cleaning tasks.
  • Apprenticeship details

You'll undertake a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship over 15 months, while working full-time in the kitchen under supervision.

This includes a nationally recognised qualification and hands-on responsibility in kitchen operations.

What your apprenticeship includes

  • Work-based training delivered through a combination of face-to-face sessions and remote team calls with your Lifetime Learner Coach every 6 weeks.

You will also have a workplace mentor.

  • Functional Skills in English and Maths (if you don’t already have GCSE or equivalents).
  • Reviews every 12 weeks with the Apprentice, Line Manager and Lifetime Learner Coach, including feedback sessions.

Benefits and progression

  • There are opportunities to progress to higher level apprenticeships after completing Level 2.
  • Staff discount: 33% across all our brands.
  • Friends and family discount: 20% across all our brands.
  • Wagestream – a financial toolkit to manage finances and access earned pay when needed.
  • Opportunities to grow with paid qualifications.
  • Opportunity for progression; on average 200 Chefs are promoted to Head Chef every year.
  • Discounts on gym memberships.
  • Team socials – work hard, and play hard.
  • Pension, 28 days paid holiday, high-street shopping discounts, and free shares.
  • Free employee helpline to support you with life matters.
  • Wage
  • 16-20 year olds: £10.85 per hour
  • 21+ year olds: £12.71 per hour

At M&B, we support, value and enable you to be yourself in a great team. Join us and make every guest feel truly welcome.

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Chef Apprenticeship employer: O'Neill's

At O'Neill's Winchester, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and camaraderie thrive. With flexible shifts, generous discounts, and opportunities for professional growth, including paid qualifications and career progression, we ensure our chefs feel valued and supported. Join us in an electric atmosphere where your culinary skills will shine, and enjoy the added benefits of a pension, holiday pay, and even free shares as part of the Mitchells & Butlers family.

O'Neill's

Contact Details:

O'Neill's Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef Apprenticeship

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 Chef Apprenticeship

Passion for Cooking
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Food Preparation
Cooking Techniques
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at O'Neill's, 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 O'Neill's.

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 O'Neill's!

How to prepare for a job interview at O'Neill's

Know Your Menu

Before heading into your interview at O'Neill's, 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 O'Neill's. 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 O'Neill's!