At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn professional cooking skills and prepare fresh seafood in a supportive kitchen team.
- Company: Rockfish, a top seafood restaurant group with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, 28 days holiday, and a paid sabbatical after 10 years.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a fun, friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on training from experienced chefs.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just passion for cooking and a great attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
Love cooking at home? Dream of turning it into a career? This is your chance to join Rockfish and learn from some of the best seafood chefs in the UK — no experience required, just passion, curiosity, and a great attitude. Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, is a unique seafood business with 10 restaurants across the Southwest. Mitch has spent 25 years as a chef, restaurateur, and fishmonger, and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in sustainable seafood. We serve MSC‑certified fish landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market, and we’re proud to be one of the Top 50 Best Companies to Work For in the UK. If you’re excited by fresh ingredients, learning new skills, and building a long‑term career, this is the perfect place to start.
Your Role as a Trainee Chef
- You’ll be part of a supportive kitchen team, learning the foundations of professional cooking from scratch:
- Preparing the freshest seafood and ingredients
- Learning knife skills, prep techniques, and kitchen organisation
- Supporting chefs during service
- Following food safety and hygiene standards
- Growing your confidence in a fast‑paced, friendly environment
You don’t need experience — we’ll teach you everything.
Your Career Path – Grow With Us
We believe in developing our people and promoting from within. As a Trainee Chef, you’ll follow a clear, structured pathway: Trainee Chef → Prep Chef → Commis Chef → Chef de Partie → Junior Sous → Senior Roles.
You’ll receive:
- Hands‑on training in seafood
- Knife‑skills coaching
- Food safety
- Mentorship from experienced chefs
This isn’t just a job — it’s the start of a real career.
What’s in It for You?
Pay & Perks
- Competitive pay + weekly tips via Tip Jar
- Refer‑a‑friend bonuses
Time to Recharge
- Your birthday off
- 28 days holiday
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day OFF
- Winter working patterns with full pay
- 4‑week paid sabbatical after 10 years
Health & Wellbeing
- 24/7 wellbeing support (counselling, financial & legal advice)
- Use of Rockfish paddleboards on your breaks
Why Rockfish?
We’re passionate about:
- Fresh, sustainable seafood
- Developing future chefs
- Creating kitchens where people feel supported and valued
- Building long‑term careers, not short‑term jobs
If you love cooking and want to learn from the best, you’ll thrive here. Ready to Start Your Kitchen Career? Bring your enthusiasm, your love of food, and your willingness to learn. We’ll give you the skills, the support, and the opportunities to grow. Apply now and start your journey with Rockfish.
Trainee Chef employer: Rockfish Dartmouth Restaurant - Vacancies
Rockfish is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best seafood chefs in the UK in a supportive and friendly environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you can expect a clear career progression from Trainee Chef to senior roles, alongside competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on wellbeing. Join us in our mission to serve fresh, sustainable seafood while building a meaningful and rewarding career.
Contact Details:
Rockfish Dartmouth Restaurant - Vacancies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Rockfish. Understand their values, their commitment to sustainable seafood, and what makes them unique. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your passion for cooking! Even if you don’t have formal experience, whip up some dishes at home and be ready to talk about them. Share your favourite recipes or cooking techniques during your interview to demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! Rockfish is looking for people with a great attitude and curiosity. Be yourself during the interview, and let your passion for food shine through. Remember, they want to see how you’ll fit into their supportive kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about starting your kitchen career with Rockfish. Don’t hesitate—get your application in and take the first step towards an exciting culinary journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share why you want to be a chef and what excites you about working with seafood. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Keep It Simple:Don’t overcomplicate things! Use clear and straightforward language in your application. We appreciate honesty and clarity, so just be yourself and express your eagerness to learn.
Highlight Your Curiosity:Since we’re looking for passion and curiosity, mention any experiences that show your willingness to learn. Whether it’s cooking at home or trying new recipes, we want to know how you explore the culinary world!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with Rockfish. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockfish Dartmouth Restaurant - Vacancies
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
When you walk into the interview, let your love for cooking shine through. Share your favourite dishes to make at home and why you enjoy them. This will show the interviewers that you have the enthusiasm and curiosity they’re looking for.
✨Ask Questions About the Role
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the Trainee Chef position and the training process. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also helps you understand what to expect as you start your kitchen career with Rockfish.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since no experience is required, focus on your eagerness to learn new skills. Talk about how you adapt quickly and are open to feedback. This attitude is crucial in a fast-paced kitchen environment and will resonate well with the team.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Being part of a supportive kitchen team is essential. Share examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others, whether in school projects or group activities. This will show that you can contribute positively to the kitchen dynamic.
