At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals while learning from experienced chefs.
- Company: Join Citywide, Salford's catering service dedicated to healthy school meals.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, discounts, gym membership, and health packages.
- Other info: Complete a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship with full training provided.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment with potential for career growth.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for cooking and learning.
The predicted salary is between 15500 - 19500 £ per year.
Working Hours: 20 hours per week, Mon - Fri - 9:30am - 1:30pm, Term Time Only
Contract Type: Fixed term (Approximately 2 years) until completion of Chef Production Standards
About the role
Citywide is Salford City Council's catering service and provides school meals to most of Salford's schools. Our service promotes healthy eating and provides healthy, tasty and nutritious food and drink. We ensure that food provided to pupils in school is nutritious and of high quality; promote good nutritional health in all pupils; protect those who are nutritionally vulnerable and promote good eating behaviour.
As an Apprentice Assistant Cook for Citywide Services, you will work under the direction of the Cook Supervisor to provide a wide range of duties. Your overall duty will be to undertake the preparation, simple cooking, serving of meals and other general duties such as cleaning, washing up, and storage.
We can offer you a very supportive environment with excellent opportunities for progression.
About your development
Full training will be provided for this role and you will complete a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship course, hygiene certificate and a level 2 in maths and English (unless exempt). To support you in learning to provide a quality catering service you will be overseen by an experienced tutor alongside the Cook Supervisor. For one day each week you will be required to attend Salford College (day and timings to be confirmed). There will be the potential for a permanent post after the successful completion of the apprenticeship.
We can offer you:
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Greater Manchester Pension Scheme (LGPS Employee contributory pension with employer contribution).
- Vivup Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7.
- Cycle to Work Scheme, to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Reduced Gym membership scheme.
- Health and wellbeing package.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £49.50. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £12.38 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £49.50.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
Want to know more about Salford? As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Apprentice Assistant Cook - Willow Tree Primary School in Eccles employer: Salford Council
Salford Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting vulnerable individuals through their challenging times. With a flexible hybrid working model, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values compassion and teamwork. Joining the Salford Assist Team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Assistant Cook - Willow Tree Primary School 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 - Willow Tree Primary School 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!