Apprentice Chef

Impact Food Group; Eltham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK catering service is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Chef in Eltham to support daily operations while developing culinary skills. This role offers on-the-job training in a fast-paced environment, with tasks including food preparation and cooking under supervision. The apprenticeship provides a recognized qualification in Level 2 Practical Cookery, with career progression opportunities available. If you're passionate about food and eager to learn, we encourage you to join our supportive team and help transform lives through quality food.

Benefits

On-the-job training

Career progression opportunities

Uniform and PPE provided

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Willingness to learn and take instruction.
• Basic understanding of kitchen hygiene and safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and cooking of a variety of dishes.
• Learn kitchen techniques including knife skills and cooking methods.
• Support catering team with menu planning and food production.

Skills

Passion for food

Good communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Practical Cookery

Job description

At Impact Food Group, we’re more than just a school caterer. We’re on a mission to create a positive food culture and help more students enjoy healthier, better-quality food. Making a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and improving — every way, every day.

Through our industry-leading brands — Innovate, Hutchison, Cucina, and Chapter One — we cater for over 550,000 students and operate in more than 800 schools nationwide, growing every year.

We’re now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Chef to join our Kitchen Team and play a vital role in supporting daily operations while developing your skills and experience in a professional kitchen.

Guided by our values, humble, bold, impactful, integrity, and community; you will help us shape a workplace and culture we can all be proud of.

About the role

Job Title: Apprentice Chef

School Location: Leigh Stationers Academy, Eltham, London, SE9 2PT

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 8am-2.30pm (30 hours per week)

Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time only- Plus holiday pay 5.6 weeks pro rata)

Pay Details: £9 per hour increasing to £12.21 after passing 6-month probation (in line with apprenticeship wage)

Qualification: Level 2 Practical Cookery through Learnmore Network – this includes 6 days out at a culinary classroom away from site

Duration of Qualification: 12-18 months

What you’ll be doing

As an Apprentice Chef, you’ll be motivated and enthusiastic to join our catering team.

This role is designed for individuals looking to develop their culinary skills, gain hands‑on experience in a professional kitchen, and work towards industry-recognised qualifications.

You will support the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food while learning from experienced chefs and contributing to the smooth operation of the catering service.

Learning professional culinary skills and kitchen operations whilst working towards an industry-recognised Level 2 Practical Cookery production Chef apprenticeship qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of a variety of dishes under supervision.
• Learn and apply kitchen techniques including knife skills, cooking methods, portion control, and plating.
• Support the catering team with menu planning, food production, and service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen workstations, equipment, and storage areas.
• Receive and correctly store deliveries, checking for quality and freshness.
• Work as part of a team to deliver high-quality catering for events, functions, or daily services.
• Follow guidance from senior chefs, asking questions and actively developing skills and knowledge.

Requirements

• A genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Displaying a “can do” mentality and displaying a professional and positive behaviour ensuring always an ambassador of IFG.
• Willingness to learn, take instruction, and work as part of a team.
• Good communication and time management skills.
• Identifies tasks in order of importance and organises in a systematic way.
• Basic understanding of kitchen hygiene and safety (training will be provided).
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and event schedules.
• No prior professional kitchen experience required (training/apprenticeship program provided).

Training & Development

• On‑the‑job training alongside experienced chefs.
• Support towards completing a recognised Apprenticeship Standard in Level 2 Practical Cookery through Learnmore Network.
• Opportunities to gain food hygiene and health & safety certifications.
• Career progression routes into Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, and beyond within the catering sector.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced catering environment (events, banqueting, corporate functions, or institutional catering).
• Requires standing for long periods and working under pressure during busy service times.
• Uniform and PPE provided.

If you’re passionate about food, eager to learn, and ready to work as part of a supportive kitchen team in a fast‑paced environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and start your journey towards becoming a skilled chef while being part of a team that is transforming lives through the power of food, making a genuine difference for students across the UK.

IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment.

Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.