Apprentice Chef

Chartwells Independent; Honington; On-site; GBP 12,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company at RAF Honington is seeking an Apprentice Chef. This fixed-term apprenticeship offers structured training and the chance to make a real impact by preparing high-quality meals that support service personnel. Ideal candidates should be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and possess basic cooking skills. This unique opportunity blends professional growth with meaningful work in a supportive environment. Join to enjoy competitive pay and numerous benefits.

Benefits

Financial wellbeing programme

Discounted health cash plan

Pension scheme

Holiday purchase scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Candidates must be aged 18+, DBS Check required.
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a genuine interest in cooking and the hospitality industry.
• Ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all client and company Health & Safety policies.
• Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and working areas.
• Provide the highest level of customer service at all times.

Skills

Basic food preparation

Understanding of kitchen hygiene

Teamwork and communication skills

Reliability and good work ethic

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Apprentice Chef - RAF Honington

Salary/Hourly Rate: £12.25 per hour

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England, IP31 1EE

Reporting to: Service Delivery Manager

Hours/Working Pattern: 35 hours per week

Contractual Requirements: Candidates must be aged 18+, DBS Check required

Join Our Team

Join Our Team as an Apprentice Commis Chef – RAF Honington, Suffolk

We’re excited to be recruiting an ambitious Apprentice Commis Chef (Level 2) to join our dynamic culinary team at RAF Honington. This is a 35‑hour, fixed‑term apprenticeship, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact in a truly unique environment.

About RAF Honington

Home to around 1,600 personnel—including RAF, Army, MOD Civil Servants, and Contractors—RAF Honington plays a vital role in supporting global RAF Police and RAF Regiment operations. The Station delivers initial and advanced training for RAF Regiment and RAF Police personnel, as well as pre‑deployment preparation for RAF teams worldwide.

Why Join Us?

As an Apprentice Chef, you’ll work alongside an experienced and supportive brigade, gaining hands‑on experience while working towards your nationally recognised qualification. You’ll be preparing fresh, high‑quality meals that fuel and support the work of service personnel—making this a role where your contribution truly matters.

What You’ll Gain

• Expert, structured training as part of your Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship
• Coaching and mentorship from a skilled and passionate kitchen team
• Experience within a fast‑paced, meaningful catering environment
• Opportunities to grow your career within a company that invests in its people
• Recognition and rewards for your hard work and commitment

No experience? No problem.

Full training is provided, making this the perfect first step into a professional catering career.

If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to start building your future as a chef, we’d love to hear from you.

On completion of the Apprenticeship, you will achieve the Commis Chef L2 and become a qualified commis chef.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all client and company Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times, e.g. Food Handling, Manual Handling, Fire procedures.
• Complete, maintain and update all Food Safety and Health & Safety paperwork
• Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and surrounding working areas ensuring Health and Safety hazards, issues, near misses and accidents are reported to your line Manager at the earliest opportunity.
• Provide the highest level of customer service by role modelling the ESS Way values and behaviours at all times to colleagues, customers and clients.
• Ensure the recovery and storage of food, and that correct labelling procedures are followed.
• Attend and conduct regular training as directed by your line Manager according to the requirements of the company.
• Follow all waste control procedures using the Food Production Process (FPP) guidelines

Our Ideal Apprentice Will

• Basic food preparation and cooking skills
• Understanding of kitchen hygiene and food safety
• Ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Time management and the ability to work under pressure
• Attention to detail in food quality and presentation
• Reliability and good work ethic
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a genuine interest in cooking and the hospitality industry.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work well as part of a team.
• Willing to learn and take instruction, with attention to detail,
• Good time management, and a strong work ethic.
• Maintains high standards of hygiene, food safety, and presentation, and can work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

We ensure you\'re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):

• Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
• Aviva Digicare – Free annual healthcare check
• Medicash – Discounted health cash plan providing cashback on a range of medical treatments including Dental, Optical and Consultant appointments for you and your family
• Pension scheme and Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Sharebuy Scheme
• Recognition awards including Be a Star peer recognition and Long Service Awards
• Employee networks created and led by employees for employees
• Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
• Entertainment, Health & Wellbeing and Travel discounts
• Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
• Vodafone discounts
• Ongoing training & development and career pathway

About Compass and Application Process

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a short questionnaire and participate in a screening call to determine your eligibility for apprenticeship funding in line with the Department for Education funding rules.

This is a mandatory step of the application process to ensure that you meet the criteria for apprenticeship funding.

Please note: We reserve the right to remove this advert prior to the advertised date, dependent on the level of response received. You are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.