Apprentice Chef

Impact Food Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school catering company in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Chef to join their Kitchen Team. This role offers hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, focusing on culinary skills development and achieving industry-recognized qualifications. Responsibilities include assisting in food preparation, learning cooking techniques, and maintaining kitchen hygiene. Training is provided, and candidates will work in a supportive environment, making a positive impact on students' food culture across the UK.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and take instructions.
• Basic understanding of kitchen hygiene and safety.
• Ability to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of dishes under supervision.
• Learn kitchen techniques including knife skills and cooking methods.
• Support menu planning, food production, and service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of workstations.

Skills

Passion for food and hospitality

Can do mentality

Communication skills

Time management skills

Education

Level 2 Practical Cookery

Job description

We're now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Chef to join our Kitchen Team and play a vital role in supporting daily operations while developing your skills and experience in a professional kitchen.

This role is designed for individuals looking to develop their culinary skills, gain hands‑on experience in a professional kitchen, and work towards industry‑recognised qualifications.

At Impact Food Group, we're more than just a school caterer. We're on a mission to create a positive food culture and help more students enjoy healthier, better‑quality food. Making a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do. We're constantly learning, evolving, and improving – every way, every day.

Through our industry‑leading brands – Innovate, Hutchison, Cucina, and Chapter One – we cater for over 550,000 students and operate in more than 800 schools nationwide, growing every year.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of a variety of dishes under supervision.
• Learn and apply kitchen techniques including knife skills, cooking methods, portion control, and plating.
• Support the catering team with menu planning, food production, and service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen workstations, equipment, and storage areas.
• Receive and correctly store deliveries, checking for quality and freshness.
• Work as part of a team to deliver high‑quality catering for events, functions, or daily services.
• Follow guidance from senior chefs, asking questions and actively developing skills and knowledge.

Qualifications & Attributes

• A genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Displaying a "can do" mentality; a professional and positive behaviour ensuring always an ambassador of IFG.
• Willingness to learn, take instruction, and work as part of a team.
• Good communication and time management skills.
• Identifies tasks in order of importance and organises in a systematic way.
• Basic understanding of kitchen hygiene and safety (training will be provided).
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and event schedules.
• No prior professional kitchen experience required (training/apprenticeship program provided).
• Fast‑paced catering environment (events, banqueting, corporate functions, or institutional catering).
• Requires standing for long periods and working under pressure during busy service times.

Working weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time only – + holiday pay 5.6 weeks pro rata). Pay: £9 per hour, increasing to £12.21 after passing 6‑month probation (in line with apprenticeship wage). Qualification: Level 2 Practical Cookery through Learnmore Network – this includes 6 days out at a culinary classroom away from site. Duration of qualification: 12‑18 months. Uniform and PPE provided.

IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for.

If you’re passionate about food, eager to learn, and ready to work as part of a supportive kitchen team in a fast‑paced environment, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and start your journey toward becoming a skilled chef while being part of a team that is transforming lives through the power of food, making a genuine difference for students across the UK.