Catering Apprentice Level 2

Busy Bees; Basingstoke and Deane; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Catering Assistant to join their dynamic team in Basingstoke. This role offers the opportunity to assist in meal preparation, uphold food safety standards, and create a nurturing environment for children. As a level 2 Catering Apprentice, you’ll gain valuable skills with mentorship from experienced professionals. Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a range of benefits, including generous holiday and Childcare discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Eager to learn and grow in a catering role.
• Ability to adhere to food safety standards.
• Effective communication with team members.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and preparing meals that meet dietary requirements.
• Support high-quality catering services.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow food safety and hygiene protocols.

Skills

Passion for catering

Ability to follow food safety protocols

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Catering Apprentice

Job description

Role Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

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, this catering assistant role is perfect for you. Whether you're looking to gain hands‑on experience or build on your existing knowledge, this position offers the opportunity to thrive and advance in your catering career.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Chineham in Basingstoke, rated Good by Ofsted, is a purpose‑built, single‑storey nursery with a capacity of 98 children. Conveniently located with easy access to the M3 and M4 motorways and close to Basingstoke train station, we are just a five‑minute walk or a two‑minute drive away from Chineham Business Park. Our nursery offers ample parking for staff and visitors, ensuring hassle‑free drop‑offs and collections. Additionally, there is a bus service linking the town to Chineham village, enhancing accessibility for families. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment that supports each child's growth and development.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 25% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You’ll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge array of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Ready to embark on your catering journey? Apply now and be a part of our extraordinary team!

Role Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Expectations for the Level 2 Catering Apprentice:

• Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and adhere to food safety standards.
• Support the delivery of high‑quality catering services, ensuring a positive experience for all customers.
• Build effective relationships with team members and contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the well‑being of customers and staff.
• Work towards achieving the apprenticeship standards set by Busy Bees Education and Training, with the aim of completing your program within the agreed timeframe.
• Be proactive and eager to learn new skills within the kitchen setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and improvement.
• Communicate regularly with your line manager about tasks and progress within the kitchen.

As a Level 2 Catering Apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced culinary professionals who will mentor and support you throughout your apprenticeship. You will attend tailored Learning & Development courses that will provide you with essential knowledge and skills for your role. A Development Coach will visit you regularly at the nursery to assess your work, acknowledge your progress, and provide guidance to help you succeed in your apprenticeship.