Chef Apprentice

The Inn Collection Group; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded training

Masterclasses

Industry mentors

Apprentice community

Earn while you learn

Job summary

The Inn Collection Group is offering a Chef Academy Apprenticeship in Sunderland. You’ll start hands-on in a professional kitchen, building skills from butchery to fish preparation, supported by industry experts and a 12-month journey.

Join a team that values growth, learning on-site, and earning while you train, with masterclasses and coaching to set the path for a successful hospitality career.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Gain real kitchen experience through a 12-month programme.
• Attend hands-on masterclasses (butchery, bread-making, fish preparation).
• Learn from industry experts at The Benson-Smith Academy.
• Work alongside professional chefs daily, gaining real kitchen experience while you earn.
• Regular check-ins and personalised coaching to support development.

Skills

passion for food

team player

willing to learn

time management

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: warmth, customer-obsessed, accountable, delivering results, and Inn It Together. All with the goal of making people happy through heartfelt hospitality.
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 Seaburn Inn is perfectly positioned on Sunderland's seafront, offering stunning views of the coastline. Located right on the water’s edge, it sits between the vibrant coastal resort of Roker, home to the famous pier, and Whitburn in South Tyneside. With its prime seafront location, The Seaburn Inn is ideally placed to enjoy the beauty and charm of the surrounding area.

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 fourth 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 https://careers.inncollectiongroup.com/chef-academy or follow us on socials https://www.tiktok.com/@icgcareers

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