Apprentice Chef/Assistant

NHS; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an apprentice Chef to join their catering team at Yeovil District Hospital. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience and training while working alongside Yeovil College. Responsibilities include food preparation, maintaining hygiene standards, and developing culinary skills. Successful candidates may have the opportunity for a permanent position upon completion of the program.

Benefits

Flexible working

NHS pension

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Must have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent.
• UK residency or right to remain/work in the UK for the past 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of main courses, cakes, and pastry products.
• Maintain a clean and tidy workstation.
• Deliver food to wards for patients.

Skills

Food safety

Knife skills

Communication

Education

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent

Job description

Job summary

We have a vacancy for an apprentice Chef. The successful candidate will be expected to attend Yeovil College alongside working in the Catering department at YDH. Further details will be discussed at the interview.

An Apprenticeship is a real job, offering hands-on experience, training, and a salary. Throughout the programme, apprentices will gain technical knowledge, practical experience, and wider skills & behaviors for the job and future career pathways.

Yeovil College - Production Chef Apprenticeship

As part of the Apprenticeship with Yeovil College, you will:

• Learn how to perform basic food processing, preparation, and regeneration of food in line with business/brand specifications.
• Identify how to follow kitchen procedures to maintain food safety and quality.
• Participate in 12 workshops at college, 6 practical and 6 theory.
• The course length is 14 months plus End Point Assessments.
• Have progress reviews every 8-12 weeks.

You will need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria. Qualification certification will be required, and you MUST be a UK resident or have the right to remain/work in the UK, which must have been held for the past 3 years.

More details can be found at: Yeovil College Course Page

Upon successful completion, there may be potential to be offered a substantive position within the team.

Main duties of the job

Each Catering Assistant/Apprentice Chef plays a vital role in our catering services team. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the preparation of main courses, cakes, and pastry products for retail and patients, including training on allergies and dietary requirements.
• Developing knife skills.
• Delivering food to wards for patients.
• Working in retail outlets.
• Making sandwiches and similar items.
• Maintaining a clean and tidy workstation.

Health & hygiene safety is critical at all times.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we support our employees with benefits such as flexible working, NHS pension, generous annual leave, and career development opportunities. Additionally, staff can access discounts via the Blue Light Card and NHS-specific perks.

We promote a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers idyllic countryside, natural beauty, and vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter, all within a short drive, and only two hours to London. The region has excellent educational facilities and affordable housing, making it a great place to build your career and future.

Somerset truly combines peaceful countryside with cosmopolitan city life, offering something for everyone.

Details

Date posted: 22 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 2

Salary: £24,169 per year

Contract: Apprenticeship

Duration: 2 years

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 184-OL-YE-2539

Job locations: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT

Job responsibilities

To provide and maintain a safe, clean, and tidy environment following work schedules and instructions, using appropriate equipment.

• Assist in unloading stock and storing it correctly, including in walk-in freezers.
• Prepare items for cooking or cold processing.
• Ensure food is cooked to the correct temperature, quality, and taste standards.
• Use all catering equipment and manual handling aids as trained.
• Report equipment failures immediately.
• Follow instructions and organize tasks within your time frame.
• Pay attention to detail and maintain good communication.
• Report for duty on time, in a clean uniform, demonstrating high personal standards.
• Use dishwashers to clean crockery, cutlery, and utensils.
• Maintain catering areas through general cleaning.
• Make sandwiches and assist with basic food prep following recipes and procedures.
• Participate in training and development.

Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate. Comply with all policies and procedures related to quality, environment, safety, HR, and finance.

Applicants should ensure their supporting statement reflects how their skills and experience meet these criteria.

Qualifications and eligibility

• Maths and English GCSE Grade 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent.
• UK residency or right to remain/work in the UK for the past 3 years.

Additional information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Employer details

Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT

Website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/