Apprentice Commis Chef - Northampton

Compass Group UK; Northampton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an Apprentice Commis Chef in Northampton. This position offers the chance to learn and progress within the culinary field, with no prior experience necessary, as training will be provided. You will support chefs in food preparation and maintain kitchen cleanliness. Competitive pay and various benefits including healthcare checks, discounts, and training opportunities are included.

Benefits

Financial wellbeing programme

Free annual healthcare check

Discounted health cash plan

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Holiday purchase scheme

Training & development opportunities

Recognition awards

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; full training provided.
• Focus on attention to detail and careful measurement.
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback.

Responsibilities

• Help set up the kitchen.
• Gather and organize ingredients.
• Clean and sanitize workstations.
• Support chefs in preparing dishes.
• Follow recipes and instructions precisely.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Basic cooking techniques

Physical stamina

Adaptability

Passion for food

Job description

Job Details

• Apprentice Commis Chef – Northampton
• Job Title: Apprentice Commis Chef – Northampton
• Salary / Hourly Rate: £12.60 per hour
• Location: Sedgebrook Hall, Northampton, NN6 8BD
• Reporting to: Head Chef
• Hours / Working Pattern: 40 hours a week, 5 days over 7
• Contractual Requirements: Candidates must be aged 18+, no good transport links; ideally candidate would have a driving licence and own transport.

We're currently recruiting for an ambitious apprentice chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Venue Collection on a full-time basis contracted to 40 hours per week.

As an apprentice chef you will be working in a passionate and hard‑working team to create an outstanding culinary experience for our customers.

In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

You do not need to have any experience to apply for this vacancy as full training will be provided as part of the apprenticeship!

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

Your Key Responsibilities

• Help set up the kitchen.
• Gather and organise ingredients for the day's menu.
• Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment.
• Prepare basic items (chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes, etc.).
• Support chefs in preparing and cooking dishes.
• Follow recipes and instructions precisely.
• Measure ingredients accurately.
• Plate and garnish dishes under supervision.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen tools.
• Keep work areas tidy and organised.
• Dispose of food waste properly.
• Sanitize surfaces regularly.
• Check inventory and inform chefs of low supplies.
• Assist in receiving and storing deliveries.
• Rotate stock (first in, first out) to ensure freshness.
• Observe and learn different cooking techniques.
• Ask questions and seek feedback from senior chefs.
• Practice basic knife skills and food preparation.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff.
• Help other team members as needed.
• Follow all safety and hygiene standards.
• Assist in cleaning and shutting down the kitchen.
• Store leftover ingredients properly.
• Prepare items needed for the next day.

Our Ideal Apprentice

• Preferred skills but will train; attention to detail.
• Careful measurement, presentation, and adherence to recipes.
• Teamwork.
• Willingness to collaborate and communicate with other kitchen staff.
• Willingness to learn; receptive to feedback and eager to pick up new techniques and knowledge.
• Organisation; keeping workstations clean and ingredients properly arranged.
• Basic cooking techniques; familiarity with boiling, sautéing, roasting, grilling, etc.
• Physical stamina: Able to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Adaptability: Comfortable with changes in menu, pace, or environment.
• Passion for food: Genuine interest in cooking and culinary arts.

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes but is 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 cash back 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 & well‑being site (Perks at Work).
• Entertainment, health & well‑being and travel discounts.
• Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing shopping cards.
• Vodafone discounts.
• On‑going training & development and career pathway.

Diversity and Inclusion

Compass Group UK & Ireland 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!

Please note that 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.

Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: Variable shifts.

Great things happen when people get together in our spaces to meet, sleep and celebrate at Sedgebrook Hall.

From leisure breaks, weddings and celebrations to conferences, meetings, training and every business event in between, our venue provides an informal atmosphere where you and our guests can be themselves.

We combine our spaces with a bigger family.

Sedgebrook Hall is part of The Venues Collection – a division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, the market leader in contract catering & support services.

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.