At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare high-quality meals and cater for exciting events.
- Company: St Edmund Hall, a friendly and professional environment in Oxford.
- Benefits: Free meals, generous leave, subsidised transport, gym discounts, and more.
- Other info: Enjoy social events and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised chef qualification.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, eagerness to learn, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 13275 - 16225 £ per year.
St Edmund Hall is seeking an Apprentice Chef to join our friendly and professional kitchen team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work across a range of kitchen sections, assist with high-quality meal preparation for students, Fellows, staff, and guests, and gain valuable experience in catering for events from formal dinners to conferences and weddings.
This is initially a 12-month fixed-term appointment.
During this time, the successful candidate will work towards a Commis Chef Level 2 Hospitality & Catering Apprenticeship with a recognised training provider, while receiving on-the-job training and mentoring.
Subject to successful completion of the apprenticeship and satisfactory performance, there will be the opportunity to progress into a permanent full‑time Commis Chef or Demi Chef role within the College.
You will have a passion for food and cooking, a willingness to learn and the ability to work as part of a very cohesive team.
In return, we offer good development opportunities to broaden your skills plus a comprehensive benefits package as follows:
- A free meal whilst on duty.
- Excellent annual leave entitlement (up to 38 days per year).
- Subsidised bus pass loans, season ticket loans and cycle scheme loans.
- Access to the College’s employee assistance programme (a 24‑hour telephone and online advisory and counselling service).
- Discount in University shops, free entry to other colleges and libraries, discounted computer software from the University Computing Service, free access to the Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum and discounted membership of the University’s gym and pool.
- Free annual flu vaccination.
The post is eligible for membership of the Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS) which provides income when you retire plus sickness and life assurance benefits.
Further details can be found at https://finance. admin. ox. ac. uk/pensions.
We are a very sociable team and arrange various staff events throughout the year including quizzes, a summer BBQ, a Christmas event and more. A uniform will be provided.
Interested applicants should submit the following
- A completed APPLICATION FORM, to include the contact details of two referees. References will only be sought for the successful candidate.
Applications should preferably be submitted by email to recruitment@seh. ox. ac. uk.
Alternatively, postal applications may be sent to: HR Department, St Edmund Hall, Queen’s Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AR.
There is no closing date for this vacancy. Applications will be considered as they are received, and interested candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit St Edmund Hall before applying.
A visit is an excellent opportunity to tour our kitchens, meet members of the catering team, and have an informal chat about the role, the apprenticeship and what it is like to work at the College.
To arrange a visit, please email recruitment@seh. ox. ac. uk, and we will be pleased to organise a convenient time.
The successful candidate will be expected to commence employment as soon as reasonably practicable.
Equality of Opportunity
The Equal Opportunities policy of the College requires that all staff are offered equal opportunities within employment.
Entry into employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the post.
Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Applications are particularly welcome from women and minority ethnic candidates who are under‑represented in Chef posts in Oxford.
Recruitment Monitoring
Please consider completing the online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form.
Submission of this form is voluntary and does not form part of the selection process, but we would be grateful if you are willing to return it with your application to assist us with our equal opportunity monitoring.
A paper copy can be obtained here or by emailing human. resources@seh. ox. ac. uk.
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Apprentice Chef in Oxford employer: St Edmund Hall
St Edmund Hall in Oxford is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within a professional kitchen environment. With comprehensive training opportunities and benefits like free meals and annual leave, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to the culinary experiences of students and events in a historic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef in Oxford
✨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 Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality at St Edmund Hall, 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 St Edmund Hall.
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 St Edmund Hall!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edmund Hall
✨Know Your Menu
Before heading into your interview at St Edmund Hall, 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 St Edmund Hall. 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 St Edmund Hall!
