Apprentice Chef

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is offering four Apprentice Chef roles across its hospital catering teams. The apprenticeship starts January 2027, with college one day per week in Weymouth and practical training in NHS healthcare kitchens.

You will travel to each base hospital (St Ann’s, Alderney, Bridport, Blandford) and to Weymouth college, gaining hands-on experience in nutrition, safety and service for patients, staff and visitors.

Qualifications

• Has an interest in food, cooking and catering.
• Is enthusiastic about learning new skills and developing a career.
• Enjoys working as part of a team.
• Is committed to providing excellent service to patients, staff and visitors.
• Is willing to learn and follow high standards of food safety and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Work with experienced chefs to prepare and cook high-quality meals.
• Learn stock control, ordering and reducing food waste.
• Follow strict food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Support menu planning and service improvements.
• Develop organisation, communication and customer service skills.

Job description

Are you passionate about food, keen to learn and looking for an exciting opportunity to build a career as a chef? We are looking for four enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Chefs to join our Catering Teams within Dorset HealthCare.

This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience in NHS healthcare catering while working towards a professional chef qualification.

Where will you be based?

We Have Four Apprenticeship Positions Available, Based At

• St Ann’s Hospital
• Alderney Hospital
• Bridport Hospital
• Blandford Hospital

The apprenticeship starts in January 2027 and is delivered in partnership with Coastland College. As part of the programme, you will be required to attend college in Weymouth one day per week, alongside your practical workplace training.

You will need to be able to travel independently to your workplace and college as required.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

What will you do?

Working alongside experienced chefs and catering managers, you’ll become an important part of the team responsible for providing nutritious, high-quality meals to patients, staff and visitors.

You’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience in a professional healthcare kitchen, developing your culinary skills while learning how catering plays an important role in patient care and wellbeing.

Your Apprenticeship Will Give You Experience In

• Preparing and cooking a wide range of high-quality meals
• Preparing food to meet specialist dietary and nutritional requirements
• Following excellent food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards
• Learning about stock control, ordering and reducing food waste
• Supporting menu planning and service improvements
• Working effectively as part of a busy and supportive catering team
• Developing your organisation, communication and customer service skills
• Taking on additional responsibilities and supporting junior colleagues as your skills and confidence develop

What are we looking for?

You’ll Be Someone Who

• Has an interest in food, cooking and catering
• Is enthusiastic about learning new skills and developing a career
• Enjoys working as part of a team
• Is committed to providing excellent service to patients, staff and visitors
• Is willing to learn and follow high standards of food safety and hygiene

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us `outstanding` in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Siobhan Baxter Job title: Facilities Area Manager Email address: [e-mail]