Catering Apprentice Level 2

Busy Bees Childcare; St Albans; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in St Albans is seeking a Level 2 Catering Apprentice to join their team. This role offers the chance to learn from experienced culinary professionals and supports career progression through tailored training. Candidates should be proactive and committed to maintaining high food safety standards. The position includes benefits such as competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and up to 28 days holiday per year.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday per year

25% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Assist in planning and preparing meals adhering to dietary requirements.
• Follow food safety and hygiene protocols strictly.
• Commit to completing the apprenticeship programme.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of high-quality catering services.
• Help maintain cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.
• Build relationships with team members in a positive kitchen environment.

Skills

Proactive attitude

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Level 2 Catering qualification or equivalent

Job description

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 St Albans Glenalmond, rated Good by Ofsted, has a capacity of 116 children and features a centre with extensive history, including original paneling in the main foyer and beautiful high ceilings, along with stunning stained glass windows throughout the setting. Our nursery consists of seven base rooms spread across three floors, thoughtfully divided into different age ranges and stages to cater to the diverse needs of our children. Conveniently located within easy distance of the M25 and M1, we also offer complimentary lunches and free parking for staff. Additional features include a soft play area and a sensory room, as well as an exclusive preschool program, enhancing our nurturing environment for early childhood 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)
• Access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering a huge array of retail discounts to help your money 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.
• 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!

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 programme 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.

About the Role

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.