Chef Apprentice: Earn While You Learn in 2-Year Program

Head Office; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days of leave, increasing to 33

Monthly tips shared

Exclusive savings at 800+ retailers

Access to wellbeing resources

Flexible commuting options

Discounted spa treatments

Job summary

Head Office in Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking passionate candidates for a Chef apprenticeship. This full-time role offers on-the-job training with experienced chefs in our award-winning kitchens. You will work a minimum of 40 hours per week while learning key culinary skills. Our supportive environment values growth and teamwork, providing numerous employee benefits including generous time off, health & wellness plans, and a culture of collaboration. Join us to kickstart your culinary career and thrive in the hospitality industry.

Qualifications

• Real passion for food is essential.
• Desire to build a career as a Chef.
• Superb attention to detail with high standards.

Responsibilities

• Work a minimum of 40 hours per week in a team environment.
• Attend 1-2 days of training per month.
• Learn on-the-job from experienced chefs.

Skills

Passion for food

Attention to detail

Team spirit

Communication skills

Desire to succeed

Job description

**We’reproud winners of the AA Small Hotel Group of the year 2024-25, rated as a Top 30 Best Place to Work in Hospitality 2024 by The Caterer, and recently crowned Best Employer at the 2025 Springboard Awards for Excellence**

As a Chef Apprentice with Eden Hotel Collection, you will be immersed in a vibrant learning environment within our collection of luxury hotels.

Our 5 privately-owned luxury hotels are located across the Midlands (Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, The Greenway Hotel & Spa, The Arden Hotel and Brockencote Hall Hotel) and Bovey Castle (Dartmoor National Park, Devon).

What you’ll be doing?

Our Academy will provide the opportunity for you to work with us on a full-time basis and to ‘earn while you learn’, setting you up with the very best skills, qualifications and experience to begin your career in the industry. We have partnered with HIT Training to create a Chef Academy, where you will attend 1-2 days of training per month either at a HIT Chef Academy site, with accommodation and travel costs covered or as a virtual session.

Back in your hotel, with the support of your Exec Chef you will learn on-the-job from exceptional chefs within a highly skilled kitchen brigade (we hold 2-3 rosettes in each of our Brasseries/Restaurants), whilst working with premium seasonal produce and high-quality equipment/tools.

What you’ll need?

We want to hear from aspiring Chefs who love the idea of creating amazing food from the best ingredients, have high standards and bags of flair and creativity along with:

• A real and evident passion for food
• The desire to build a career as a Chef
• Superb attention to detail, driven by delivering exceptional standards
• A ‘can do' attitude and sense of team spirit
• Enthusiasm and desire to succeed
• Excellent communication skills

What to expect?

You’ll work in a busy and hardworking team environment, where we’ll expect you to be hungry to learn more. You will be working a minimum of 40 hours per week, across 5 days (inclusive of training days). Our hotels are busiest on Friday - Sunday, and so you should be prepared to work regular weekends.

Our Chef apprenticeships last 1-2 years, giving you the opportunity to learn hands-on in our kitchens led by our talented Executive Chefs.

EHC are committed to offering opportunities to those groups who may be under represented within our workforce – within our kitchens, we would particularly welcome the addition of a greater representation of female chefs.

What’s in it for you?

At Eden Hotel Collection, we’re proud of our award-winning approach to employee wellbeing, engagement, and recognition (with industry award winsin 2023, 2024 and 2025!)—which means you’re joining a team that values your happiness, growth, and success every step of the way.

• Generous Time Off: 31 days of leave, increasing to 33 with service.
• Monthly Tips: Fairly shared service charge/gratuities, all paid on second pay date in the month.
• Discounts & Perks: Exclusive savings at 800+ retailers, gyms, restaurants, days out, and utilities.
• Wellbeing Centre: Access to Hello Fresh recipes, fitness videos, and financial planning tools.
• Health & Wellness Plans: Dental, vision, alternative care, and 24/7 GP access.
• Sustainable Commuting: Cycle-to-Work and Electric Vehicle Leasing options.
• Exclusive EHC Perks: Discounted stays, spa treatments, golf, and leisure at our properties.
• The Happy Hub: Our reward and recognition platform where you can send peer-to-peer cards, earn monetary rewards, be celebrated as Employee of the Month, and receive long-service vouchers.
• Genuine Wellbeing Support: We’re here to support your financial, mental, and physical wellbeing both via our supportive teams and Hospitality Action.
• Employee Comms: Stay connected through Eden Engage for all the latest team news.
• Grow with Eden: Develop with us through apprenticeships and leadership programs like RISE & THRIVE.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced leave and return-to-work financial support for life’s key moments.
• Everyday Essentials: Free parking, meals on duty, uniform provided and a footwear allowance.

A Culture of Collaboration and Care

We work together to create a truly inclusive workplace, where your voice matters, and real change happens:

• Your Voice Matters: Regular surveys that valueyourinput.
• Real Action: “You said, we did”—because we listen and respond.
• Sustainability Focus: Employee champions at every hotel and HQ.

We’re proud members of the Hoteliers’ Charter, and our team is always at the heart of what we do, guided by our values of Heart, Honesty, Spirit, and Team.

Our commitment to equity means we welcome talent from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we encourage applications from all communities, including underrepresented groups, parents, people living with disabilities, and those bringing diverse perspectives. Join us to experience what it means to work for a values-led, award-winning employer.

Want to hear more about ‘Life at Eden?’ Follow us on Instagram @ehcpeople