At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare authentic Thai dishes and learn from experienced chefs in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Award-winning Thai restaurant and cooking school in St Albans.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain a Level 2 qualification, and enjoy a supportive team.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends, with a one-year apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with real progression opportunities in a passionate environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; enthusiasm for cooking is a must.
The predicted salary is between 14850 - 18150 £ per year.
Sala Thai Kitchen is an award-winning Thai restaurant and cooking school in the heart of St Albans, led by experienced cookery teacher Thippawan Rashleigh. We're looking for a passionate Commis Chef Apprentice to begin their culinary career with us, learning the art of authentic Thai cuisine within a friendly and supportive kitchen team.
Thippi grew up in a small village northeastern of Thailand, Chaiyaphum with food as her love language. Now based in St Albans, she brings the soul of her hometown to every dish — using Thai herbs and spices, seasonal produce, and locally sourced ingredients to create flavours that are both deeply authentic and beautifully of-the-moment. Thippi is passionate about sustainability: cook what you have at home, in the right portions, and create no waste. Her three passions — people, food, and yoga — shape everything she does. Whether she's cooking for first-time visitors or old friends, running a class, or writing her debut cookbook, Thippi's mission is always the same: connection through food.
This apprenticeship follows the nationally recognised ST0228 Commis Chef standard, giving you a genuine Level 2 qualification while you earn and work alongside experienced chefs, learning fundamental cooking techniques, food preparation skills, and kitchen operations within a professional restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing ingredients for service, including authentic Thai pastes, herbs, and specialist ingredients
- Assisting with cooking and food preparation across every section of the kitchen
- Learning a variety of Thai and general cooking techniques and methods from an experienced cookery teacher
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety at all times
- Receiving and storing deliveries appropriately
- Keeping kitchen equipment and workstations clean and organised
- Supporting menu preparation and presentation
- Communicating effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and customers as part of a positive, friendly team
Training Outcome:
A genuine route into a career as a chef, with real progression opportunities as Sala Thai grows.
Skills Required:
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Qualifications:
- Essential - GCSE - English - Level 2-9
- Essential - GCSE - Maths - Level 2-9
Course Information:
- Course: Commis chef (level 2)
- Level: 2
- Route: Catering and hospitality
- Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements:
- Working Week: 35 hours per week- shift work including evenings and weekends; exact shifts to be confirmed.
- Expected Duration: 1 Year
- Training Provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE
Commis Chef Apprentice employer: Sala Thai Kitchen
Sala Thai Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it's a vibrant community hub where authentic Thai flavours meet exceptional customer service. Located in the heart of St Albans, we offer a supportive work environment that values personal growth and sustainability, allowing you to develop your skills while working closely with our passionate team. As an apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience and a recognised qualification, all while contributing to a mission that connects people through the love of food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef Apprentice
✨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 Commis Chef Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at Sala Thai Kitchen, 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 Sala Thai Kitchen.
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 Sala Thai Kitchen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sala Thai Kitchen
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at Sala Thai Kitchen, 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 Sala Thai Kitchen. 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 Sala Thai Kitchen!
