At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while keeping the kitchen clean and organised.
- Company: Join Salford City Council's catering service, promoting healthy eating in schools.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, discounts, and health packages.
- Other info: Full training provided, including a Level 2 Chef apprenticeship and college support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment with potential for a permanent role.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for cooking and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Working Hours: 20 hours per week, Monday – Friday – 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, term time only.
Contract Type: Fixed term (Approximately 2 years) until completion of Chef Production Standards.
Locations: Eccles, Salford Central / Swinton, Walkden – based at Mesne Lea, Broughton.
About the Role: Citywide is Salford City Council’s catering service, providing school meals to most of Salford’s schools. We promote healthy eating and provide nutritious, tasty food and drink. The role involves preparing, simple cooking, serving meals and performing general duties such as cleaning, washing up and storage.
Responsibilities:
- Preparation, simple cooking and serving of meals.
- Cleaning, washing up and storage of kitchen equipment and food.
- Assisting the Cook Supervisor with day‑to‑day kitchen operations.
Development & Training: Full training will be provided, including a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship course, a hygiene certificate and a Level 2 maths & English qualification (unless exempt). One day per week is required at Salford College to support learning.
Potential for Permanent Post: Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to consideration for a permanent position.
Benefits:
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Member of the Greater Manchester Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Vivup Discount Scheme, 24/7.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Reduced gym membership scheme.
- Health and wellbeing package.
Legal & Compliance: This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants will be required to cover the cost of the DBS check (£49.50), which will be deducted from salary over the first four months. Applicants who have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years, or 12 months or more in the last 10 years, should refer to the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants.
Apprentice Assistant Cook - Various locations in Eccles employer: Salford Council
Citywide, as part of Salford City Council, is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff through comprehensive training programmes, including a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship. With a strong commitment to promoting healthy eating in schools, employees enjoy a supportive work culture, competitive pay, and a range of benefits such as pension schemes and health packages, all while working in a community-focused environment across various locations in Salford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Assistant Cook - Various locations in Eccles
✨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 Apprentice Assistant Cook - Various locations in Eccles
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at Salford Council, 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 Salford Council.
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 Salford Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at Salford Council, 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 Salford Council. 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 Salford Council!
