Catering Apprentice Level 2

Busy Bees Nurseries; Ashford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Discounts across retailers

Birthday off

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in the UK is offering a Catering Apprenticeship in our nursery kitchens. You will learn to plan and prepare nutritious meals for children, follow food safety standards, and support the kitchen team as you develop your cooking skills.

You’ll be guided by experienced professionals and a dedicated Development Coach, gaining hands-on experience in hygiene, stock rotation, and safe kitchen practice while building your career with Busy Bees.

Qualifications

• Passion for developing a career in catering.
• UK resident for the last 3 consecutive years for funding eligibility.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE 3/D or Level 2 Functional Skills).

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals meeting dietary requirements and safety standards.
• Support delivery of high-quality catering services for children and staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation across kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow all food hygiene and safety protocols to safeguard wellbeing.
• Commit to completing the apprenticeship within the expected timeframe.

Skills

Catering interest

Teamwork

Food safety awareness

Education

GCSE Maths & English 3/D or better

UK resident for 3 years

Job description

Role Overview: Join Our Team at Busy Bees - Start Your Career with a Catering Apprenticeship! Are you passionate about starting a rewarding career in the catering industry? If you're eager to learn, grow, and develop your skills while working in a dynamic and supportive environment, our Catering Apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you. Whether you're stepping into catering for the first time or looking to build on your skills, you'll be supported every step of the way in a busy, friendly nursery environment where your contribution really matters.

Why Start a Catering Apprenticeship with Busy Bees?

Choosing a Catering Apprenticeship with Busy Bees means joining a warm, supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and build confidence as you begin your catering career. As an apprentice, you will:

• Work alongside experienced and encouraging catering professionals who will guide you in preparing nutritious, freshly made meals.
• Gain hands-on experience in food preparation, hygiene, stock rotation, and safe kitchen practice.
• Receive tailored mentoring and regular support from your Development Coach.
• Build essential skills and confidence while working in a real nursery kitchen.
• Train in a supportive, nurturing environment within the UK's leading nursery group, offering long-term career potential.

You’ll learn everything needed to thrive in a catering career – while helping provide healthy, nutritious meals for children every day.

Why Busy Bees?

At Busy Bees, we’re proud to be the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries nationwide and more around the world. Our mission is simple: to give every child the very best start in life. We’ve also been recognised for our positive workplace culture, and we’re committed to making sure every team member feels valued, supported, and listened to.

You’ll also experience:

• Our award-winning Bee Curious curriculum – designed to spark imagination, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
• A workplace culture where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Opportunities to get involved in our charity partnership with BBC Children in Need.

Busy Bees Benefits

We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and career progression
• Access to our Hive benefits and wellbeing platform – with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return-to-work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial guidance through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Workplace pension with Cushon
• Option for discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Role Responsibilities

Your responsibilities and expectations as a Catering Apprentice, you'll:

• Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and follow food safety standards.
• Support the delivery of high-quality catering services, ensuring a positive experience for all children and staff.
• Build effective working relationships with team members and contribute to a positive, supportive kitchen environment.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organisation across the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow all food hygiene and safety protocols to safeguard children's and staff wellbeing.
• Work proactively toward completing your apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe.
• Be proactive and eager to learn new skills within a busy kitchen setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and continually improving your practice.
• Communicate regularly with your Line Manager about tasks, progress, and learning within the kitchen.

Required Qualifications

Essential Criteria (to apply, you must):

• Be passionate about developing a career in catering.
• To meet funding eligibility, you must have been a resident in the UK for at least the 3 consecutive years.
• Be able to provide evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).

Desirable (but not essential)

• Any previous experience in catering or food preparation.
• A Level 2 qualification in Food Hygiene.

Start your future in Catering with a team that believes in your potential.