Catering Apprentice Level 2

Busy Bees; Meopham; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progress

Hive benefits and wellbeing platform -

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave and return-to‑工作

Peppy menopause support

Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme & Mental

Cycle to Work scheme

Workplace pension with Cushon

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (

Job summary

Busy Bees is recruiting for a Catering Apprentice to learn and grow in a busy nursery kitchen. You will assist in planning nutritious meals, ensure food safety, and support delivery of catering services to children and staff.

You will work in a supportive team, helping maintain kitchen cleanliness and compliance with hygiene standards. The role offers hands-on experience in a leading UK nursery group, with mentoring from a Development Coach and funded apprenticeship progression.

Qualifications

• Be passionate about developing a career in catering.
• Willing to learn and grow in a busy nursery kitchen.
• Able to work as part of a supportive kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and follow food safety standards.
• Support the delivery of high-quality catering services for children and staff.
• Build effective working relationships with team members and contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organisation across the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow all food hygiene and safety protocols to safeguard wellbeing.
• Work toward completing the Busy Bees apprenticeship within the expected timeframe.
• Be proactive and eager to learn new skills in a busy kitchen.

Skills

Passion for catering

Education

GCSE Maths and English (3/D or above) or Level 2 Functional Skills

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.

• 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!
• 25% 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)

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.

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

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.