Apprentice Chef (2nd or 3rd Year) Full-time, Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Showground; Sydney; On-site; AUD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Event ticket opportunities

Onsite café discount

Wellness initiatives

Clear progression pathways

Job summary

Sydney Showground is offering an apprenticeship opportunity for a 2nd or 3rd year Chef Apprentice in Cert III Commercial Cookery. You will develop skills across larder, grill, sauce, pastry and banquets while supporting high-volume event service.

Join a award-winning venue known for iconic events, with structured rotations, mentoring from senior chefs, and study release to support your Cert III. Nights, weekends and public holidays rosters apply.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as 2nd or 3rd year in Cert III Commercial Cookery or eligible for RPL.
• Right to work in Australia and able to roster nights/weekends/holidays.
• Food Safety/Hygiene awareness.

Responsibilities

• Prep, cook, and present dishes across larder, grill, sauce, pastry, and banquets.
• Support large-scale functions and high-volume retail during live events.
• Maintain HACCP standards and temperature logs.
• Assist with stock rotation and mise en place.
• Attend TAFE/RTO training and keep logs up to date.
• Ensure venue hygiene and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Knife skills

Sauces

Proteins

Teamwork

Communication

Cleanliness

Education

Cert III in Commercial Cookery enrollment

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.

Key Responsibilities

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

• 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

• 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
• 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.