Junior Chef Apprenticeship

Lifetime Training; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A culinary training facility in Reading is seeking a Production Chef Apprentice to assist with food preparation and kitchen management. You will prepare food, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and supervise junior staff while adhering to food safety protocols. No prior experience is necessary, as the facility values enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Weekend and evening availability is required. This role is part of a 15-month apprenticeship program.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kitchen role is preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with staff and customers.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food and keep the kitchen clean and safe.
• Supervise and train junior staff in kitchen activities.
• Follow recipes and monitor food safety records.

Skills

Food preparation

Safety protocols

Staff supervision

Ability to follow recipes

Job description

The role involves preparing food, keeping the kitchen clean and safe, organising stock, following recipes accurately, maintaining food safety records, minimising waste, and supporting company standards. It also includes supervising and training junior staff, working with front‑of‑house when needed, and carrying out any other reasonable kitchen duties.

Duties Include:

• Perform various kitchen tasks, including cleaning, washing, peeling, chopping, slicing, cooking, and disposing of rubbish correctly.
• Assisting with the unloading of delivered food supplies and organising the stockroom.
• Keep food preparation areas clean and use and regularly clean kitchen equipment, floors, and tools.
• Follow recipes accurately, ensuring consistent flavour and presentation, and pay special attention to the Superior's instructions when catering to special dietary requirements.
• Monitor and record temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and food items to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Maintain and update the kitchen diary and trail.
• Always work to minimise wastage and prevent cross‑contamination.
• Follow the Company Code of Conduct, employment handbook guidelines, and company values.
• Train Junior Staff when necessary and participate in training courses to learn safety protocols in the kitchen.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the overall function of the job.
• Actively engage with front‑of‑house staff to address customer feedback and enhance collaboration.
• Lead and supervise Junior Staff in the kitchen.
• Check safety and first aid and enforce safety protocols in the kitchen.

At Coconut Tree, you will be working towards Production Chef Apprenticeship Level 2, over the duration of 15 months alongside your daily roles and responsibilities.

Things to consider:

• We prefer candidates who are based in the same city or are able to travel reliably to and from the restaurant.
• Previous experience in a similar role is preferred. But not mandatory as we value potential, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn with the right attitude.
• Will required to work during the weekends and evenings.