Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to manage a school kitchen and provide healthy meals.
- Company: Join Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, a bold and innovative community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 27 days leave, mentoring, and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career while making a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: GCSE Level 1 in English and Maths; passion for teamwork and customer care.
- Other info: No prior catering experience needed; training provided for your growth.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Trainee Cook (Schools), Stockton-on-Tees
col-narrow-left
Client:
Location:
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
b71e605848b9
Job Views:
3
Posted:
16.07.2025
Expiry Date:
30.08.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
Further Information Are you ready to kickstart your career, earn while you learn, and make a real difference in your community?
At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we’re not just offering you an apprenticeship – we’re offering a launchpad for your future. We are a bold, brave, and innovative council, united by our values — working as one team, embracing diversity, delivering on our promises, striving for excellence, and putting our community at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to train with our team of Catering Supervisors to develop the skills you need to manage a school kitchen and provide a healthy and nutritionally balanced school meal.
The successful applicant will be trained to provide the provision, organisation and supervision of the catering team and the site, and work towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification. The position requires an individual who is motivated, flexible and focused on Customer Care.
Experience of catering would be ideal but not necessary as training will be given. Basic Food Hygiene and an understanding of Healthy Eating Guidelines are also required.
What skills and experience do you need?
We are looking for someone who is passionate about working for our community and has the following qualifications / experience:
- Minimum qualifications of English and Maths at Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grade 3/D or above / Functional Skills Level 1)
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Commitment to the full duration of the apprenticeship — showing reliability, motivation, and readiness to balance work and study responsibilities
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills – apprenticeships are designed for those ready to grow through hands-on experience and training. For more detailed information about the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification included in the Supporting Documents section
Please outline in your personal statement how you meet this criteria.
What can we offer you?
We offer our apprentices an excellent reward package including:
- A competitive salary while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. We pay our apprentices National Minimum Wage for Age:
- Age 21 and over = £12.21 per hour
- Age 18 to 20 = £10.00 per hour
- Under 18 = £7.55 per hour
27 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays).
Learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about public service
Access to mentoring, training, and personal development opportunities
Discounts at high street and online retailers
FREE Physiotherapy and Counselling services plus many other Wellbeing benefits.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Cook (Schools) employer: Stockton Council
Contact Detail:
Stockton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Cook (Schools)
✨Tip Number 1
Research Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to community service and innovation will help you align your personal statement with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices in the catering field. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on how to impress during the interview process, which can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your passion for healthy eating and community service. Think of examples from your life where you've demonstrated these values, as they are key to the role of a Trainee Cook in schools.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn by researching basic food hygiene and healthy eating guidelines. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the role and readiness to take on the apprenticeship.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Cook (Schools)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is looking for in a Trainee Cook. Pay attention to the skills and qualifications required, and think about how your experiences align with these.
Craft Your Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly outline how you meet the criteria mentioned in the job description. Highlight your passion for community work, any relevant experiences, and your commitment to learning and development.
Showcase Your Skills: Even if you lack formal catering experience, emphasise any transferable skills you have, such as teamwork, communication, and customer care. Mention any relevant coursework or volunteer work that demonstrates your commitment to healthy eating and food hygiene.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in any role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockton Council
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and working in a school environment. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are informal, such as cooking at home or helping out in community events.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working with a catering team, highlight your ability to work well with others. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with a team, whether in school projects or group activities.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
This apprenticeship is all about growth, so make it clear that you are eager to learn new skills. Discuss how you plan to balance work and study, showing that you are committed to completing the apprenticeship.
✨Prepare for Questions on Healthy Eating
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and healthy eating guidelines, as these are important for the role. Be ready to discuss why healthy meals are essential for children and how you can contribute to this goal.
