Apprentice Chef (2nd or 3rd Year)

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Event ticket opportunities

Onsite café discount

Wellness initiatives

Career progression pathways

Job summary

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW is offering a 2nd or 3rd Year Apprentice Chef role at Sydney Showground. You will rotate through banquets, production, high-end corporate and retail cafes, building speed and consistency while completing your Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with strong mentorship and real event exposure.

Roster: 5 days across 7 with early/late/weekend shifts; extra hours may be required during major events.

Qualifications

• Proof you are enrolled as a 2nd or 3rd year (TAFE/RTO) or eligible for RPL into 2nd/3rd year.
• Right to work in Australia; ability to meet event roster (nights/weekends/public holidays).
• Food Safety/Hygiene awareness.

Responsibilities

• Prep, cook and present dishes to spec across larder, grill, sauce, pastry and banquets.
• Support large-scale functions and high-volume retail during live events.
• Maintain strict food safety/HACCP standards, temperature logs and allergen controls.
• Assist with receivals, stock rotation, labelling and section mise en place.
• Clean as you go; maintain equipment and BOH areas to venue hygiene standards.
• Contribute to menu trials, seasonal changeovers and event-specific menus.
• Keep apprentice logbook/assessments current; attend all required TAFE/RTO training.

Skills

Knife skills

Sauces

Proteins

Team player

Education

Cert III Commercial Cookery

Job description

About the Role

Level up your apprenticeship at the award-winning Sydney Showground. This role offers the opportunity to work in one of Australia’s premier major event venues, delivering exceptional culinary experiences for a wide range of events including conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions, major sport and music events, and the iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show.

We’re seeking a 2nd or 3rd Year Apprentice Chef to join our award-winning kitchen brigade. You’ll rotate through multiple outlets (banquets, production, high end corporate and retail cafes), build service speed and consistency, and complete your Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with strong mentorship and real event experience.

Roster: 5 days across 7 with early/late/weekend shifts. Extra hours may be required during major events.

Key Responsibilities

• Prep, cook and present dishes to spec across larder, grill, sauce, pastry and banquets
• Support large-scale functions and high-volume retail during live events
• Maintain strict food safety/HACCP standards, temperature logs and allergen controls
• Assist with receivals, stock rotation, labelling and section mise en place
• Clean as you go; maintain equipment and BOH areas to venue hygiene standards
• Contribute to menu trials, seasonal changeovers and event-specific menus
• Keep apprentice logbook/assessments current; attend all required TAFE/RTO training

About You

• Currently a 2nd or 3rd Year Apprentice Chef (or equivalent RPL) in Cert III Commercial Cookery
• Solid basic technique (knife skills, sauces, proteins) and growing speed/consistency under pressure
• Positive, reliable, coachable; communicates clearly and works well in a team
• Pride in presentation, cleanliness and safe work habits

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Proof you are enrolled as a 2nd or 3rd year (TAFE/RTO) or eligible for RPL into 2nd/3rd year
• Right to work in Australia; ability to meet event roster (nights/weekends/public holidays)
• Food Safety/Hygiene awareness

Desirable

• Previous banquets or high-volume event experience
• First Aid/WHS awareness

Training & Development

• Structured section rotations and mentoring with qualified Chefs
• Exposure to high end, venue catering and stadium event service
• Support for assessments and study release by agreement
• Access to internal learning and development opportunities

Why work with us

At Sydney Showground, no two days are the same. You’ll sharpen your craft across varied cuisines and service styles, working iconic events with a supportive team invested in your growth.

Benefits include:

free onsite parking, event ticket opportunities, onsite café discount, wellness initiatives and clear progression pathways.

About Sydney Showground & the RAS

Sydney Showground is the venue and event management business of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS). Since 1822, the RAS has supported and celebrated Australian agriculture through the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Royal competitions, the RAS Foundation and education/community programs. Our values: Respect | Ownership | Achievement | Honouring our Past | Embracing our Future

Diversity & Inclusion

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We’re proud to be Great Place to Work Certified, recognising our commitment to a positive, inclusive workplace culture.