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- 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: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Minimum Level 1 English and Maths; passion for community service required.
- Other info: Apprenticeship designed for growth through hands-on experience and training.
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.
If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Melanie Ryder, Operations Manager on 01642 527276 or email melanie.ryder@stockton.gov.uk
Apply Now!
Whether you\’re just starting out or looking for a fresh direction, our apprenticeships are designed to help you thrive. Every task you take on, every skill you learn, and every idea you share contributes to something bigger – creating better lives for our community.
Be bold. Be brave. Be the future of public service.
You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.
Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, including your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email after the closing date for notification from ‘DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’. All communication will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your North East Jobs account. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Cook (Schools) employer: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Cook (Schools)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for community service during any conversations or interviews. Highlight experiences where you've contributed to your community, as this aligns with the council's values.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and healthy eating guidelines. Even if you haven't worked in catering before, demonstrating knowledge in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork and communication skills. Think of specific examples where you've successfully worked in a team or communicated effectively, as these are key qualities they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Melanie Ryder for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you tailor your application.
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. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that you can relate to your own experiences.
Craft Your Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly outline how you meet the criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences or education to demonstrate your passion for community service and your commitment to learning.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you lack direct catering experience, emphasise any transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and customer care. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your English and Maths levels, to show you meet the minimum requirements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your application for any spelling or 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-on-Tees Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in the community during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to contribute positively to the lives of others.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Since this role is an apprenticeship, highlight your eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Discuss how you plan to balance work and study, showing that you're committed to making the most of this opportunity.
✨Prepare for Questions on Teamwork
As teamwork is essential in a school kitchen environment, be ready to discuss your previous experiences working in teams. Think of examples where you contributed to a group effort and how you handled challenges collaboratively.
✨Understand Basic Food Hygiene and Healthy Eating Guidelines
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene practices and healthy eating guidelines. Even if you lack experience, showing that you have researched these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
