Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals in a vibrant college setting.
- Company: Join Reed Further Education, a respected provider in Bedford's post-16 education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health plans, and exclusive discounts while gaining valuable experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing training and development, plus a chance to work with young people.
- Why this job: Be part of a positive team, serving nutritious meals that impact young people's lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in a professional kitchen required.
Reed Further Education is excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and experienced Cook to join the catering team at a respected post-16 education provider in Bedford. This role is perfect for someone who loves preparing nutritious and appealing meals in a vibrant college environment.
Working Hours: 35 hours, Mon-Fri, 7:00am to 3:00pm
Role type: Temporary Ongoing until 27th June.
Location: Bedford
Salary: £14.50p/h to £17.50p/h including holiday pay
Day-to-day of the role:
- Prepare, cook, and present meals according to the weekly menus.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
- Assist with stock control, ordering ingredients, and managing food costs.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP and health & safety regulations.
- Deliver excellent customer service and contribute to a positive team environment.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Proven experience in preparing and cooking meals in a professional setting.
- Enhanced DBS on update service or willingness to apply for one through Reed.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Desirable:
- Experience in a large-scale catering operation.
- Knowledge of food cost control and creative presentation.
- Experience working with young people aged 16–19.
Benefits of working for Reed Further Education/our client:
- Exclusive representation to leading FE colleges, prisons, and training providers in the area.
- A specialist further education consultant who will search for jobs on your behalf.
- A Health Cash Plan and Reed Discount Club.
- Entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay, Parental Leave and Antenatal/Pre-Adoption Appointment Payment.
- Access to Training and Development - Reed Assessment Centre - Reed Learning.
- Great referral bonuses.
- Access to roles throughout the UK and online/remote learning.
To apply for this role, please send us your updated CV by clicking 'Apply Now'.
Reed Further Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment by undergoing a 2 year’ employment check and a DBS Application, completing mandatory training within 6 weeks of your first assignment and annually thereafter.
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of young people aged 16-19. Understanding what appeals to this age group can help you create meals that are not only nutritious but also popular among students.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in large-scale catering operations. If you've worked in environments where you had to prepare meals for a large number of people, make sure to mention this during your interactions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Being able to discuss HACCP compliance and your approach to maintaining kitchen cleanliness will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to food safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your customer service skills. Since you'll be working in a college environment, being able to engage positively with students and staff is crucial, so think of examples where you've excelled in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant cooking experience, particularly in a professional setting. Emphasise any roles where you prepared meals, maintained food hygiene standards, and worked as part of a team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate prominently in your application. If you have experience with HACCP regulations or working in large-scale catering, be sure to mention that too.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your ability to create nutritious meals. Mention your organisational skills and how you can contribute to a positive team environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in detail. Bring examples of dishes you've prepared, and if possible, share photos or a portfolio that highlights your creativity and presentation skills.
✨Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge
Since a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is required, make sure to highlight your understanding of food safety practices. Be ready to discuss how you maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen and comply with HACCP regulations.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
This role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or took initiative in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Prepare for Customer Service Questions
As delivering excellent customer service is key, think about times when you went above and beyond for customers. Be ready to explain how you handle feedback and ensure a positive dining experience for students.