Chef Apprentice

The Inn Collection Group; Ambleside; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Inn Collection Group invites aspiring chefs to kick-start their culinary careers with the Chef Academy Apprenticeship. This program offers hands-on learning, industry expertise, and the chance to earn a Level 2 Commis Chef qualification. Join a community focused on culinary excellence, with real kitchen experience and dedicated support along the way.

Benefits

Extra paid holiday for birthday

50% off food at any Inns

Tronc (tips)

£1 stay at any Inns during Jan, Feb, March

1/3 off room bookings throughout the year

Confidential support from Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• A real love for food and cooking.
• Willingness to learn and take feedback.
• Ability to manage time in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on cooking masterclasses.
• Work alongside professional chefs in a kitchen.
• Complete a full 12-month apprenticeship program.

Skills

Cooking

Food preparation

Butchery

Bread-making

Education

Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship

Job description

What makes the perfect pub? It’s great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that’s at the heart of everything we do.
The Inn Collection Group is a multi-award-winning pubs with rooms company, proudly located in some of the most outstanding destinations across the North of England and Wales. At ICG, we deliver exceptional hospitality by living and breathing our core values of respect, customer focused, warmth, , and honesty, all with the goal of Making People Happy.

How we say thank you!
• Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
• Build your future with support from our Lead-Inn development program.
• Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
• Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns
• Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just £1.
• Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
• Experience a spontaneous trip away with £50 on same day bookings
• It’s not just for you—your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
• 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme
• Tronc (…that’s tips to me and you)
• Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give-inn back scheme
• Join an award-winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

The Ambleside Inn is set against a backdrop of breath-taking fell views and scenic walking routes, making it the perfect base to explore the beauty of the Lake District. Surrounded by nature's tranquillity and with easy access to some of the area's most picturesque trails, it’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the stunning landscape.

You’ll Fit Right Inn

Are you ready to kick-start your culinary career with hands-on learning and real-world experience? As a Chef Academy Apprentice, you’ll dive into a range of practical masterclasses. From butchery and bread-making to fish preparation, designed to build your skills and confidence in the kitchen. Alongside working in a professional kitchen environment, you’ll gain valuable experience and develop the techniques that will set you apart. This is more than just an apprenticeship, it’s a journey full of learning, growth, and delicious challenges.

Now in its third year, The Inn Collection Group’s Chef Academy is proud to offer a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to gain real-world kitchen experience, learn from industry leaders, and build the skills needed for a successful future in hospitality. With the success of our previous cohorts, this year’s programme is set to be our most impactful yet practical, supportive, and built around your development.

Why join our Chef Academy?

• Gain a nationally recognised Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship
• Receive 9,000 worth of fully funded training invested in your future
• Learn from industry experts at The Benson-Smith Academy
• Take part in 9 chef-led masterclasses to sharpen your skills
• Join a community of apprentices across the business, sharing your journey and growing together
• Work alongside professional chefs every day, gaining real kitchen experience while you earn.
• Regular check-ins and personalised coaching to support your development.

About you

• You have a real love for food and cooking that drives you every day
• You have a “yes chef” attitude, willing to learn, take feedback, and get stuck in.
• You are able to travel to masterclasses, which are core to the programme
• You manage your time, balancing learning with the fast-paced kitchen life
• You are proactive in steering your own learning and growth on-site.
• Committed to completing the full 12-month programme and making the most of every opportunity

What to expect along the way

Want to discover what our Chef Academy has in store for you? Hear it straight from our apprentices!

Visit careers.inncollectiongroup.com/chef-academy or follow this link:https://careers.inncollectiongroup.com/chef-academy;

*Age-related pay rates apply for Under 21s.*