Apprentice Chef, Sanctuary Group

Embark on Your Culinary Journey: Apprentice Chef at Millbrook House

Are you passionate about food and eager to kick-start a rewarding career in the culinary world? Millbrook House, located in the picturesque setting of Soham, Cambridgeshire, is offering a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated Apprentice Chef to join their esteemed catering team. This apprenticeship is not just a job; it's a comprehensive pathway designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry.

What This Opportunity Offers:

This apprenticeship is meticulously crafted to provide a robust foundation for your culinary aspirations. You'll benefit from a unique blend of:

• Hands-On Practical Experience: Work directly alongside seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable practical skills in all facets of kitchen operations, from meticulous food preparation and stringent hygiene practices to efficient kitchen management.
• Structured Learning & Earning: This is a true "earn while you learn" opportunity. You'll be building your expertise in a real-world setting while simultaneously working towards a nationally recognised qualification, enhancing your future career prospects.
• Meaningful Contribution: As part of Sanctuary Supported Living, you'll be contributing to a non-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals to live independently. Your role will directly impact the well-being and satisfaction of customers by assisting in the delivery of high-quality catering services.
• Supportive Environment: You'll be integrated into a team that values customer-centricity and personal growth. The role involves supporting residents with diverse dietary needs, fostering a sense of care and attention to detail in your work.

Key Responsibilities and Growth Areas:

As an Apprentice Chef, your role will be integral to the smooth running of the kitchen and will involve:

• Assisting in the provision of a varied and high-standard catering service, catering to the unique needs and preferences of all customers.
• Supporting residents with specific dietary requirements, including special diets and allergen considerations – a crucial skill in modern catering.
• Contributing to efficient food stock management, ensuring optimal utilisation and alignment with budgetary constraints.
• Meticulously receiving and checking food deliveries, guaranteeing quality and accuracy.
• Strictly adhering to the Food Safety Management System, maintaining accurate records and upholding the highest standards of hygiene.
• Performing routine cleaning duties for all food service areas and kitchen equipment, essential for a safe and professional working environment.

What We're Looking For:

While a passion for cooking is paramount, we are also seeking individuals with the following foundational attributes:

• A minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade D or E (grades 2-3) or equivalent in Maths and English.
• A genuine enthusiasm for culinary arts and a strong desire to learn and develop new skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities – essential for a collaborative kitchen environment.
• The capacity to follow instructions accurately and perform effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• A positive attitude and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers.
• While basic knowledge of food safety is beneficial, comprehensive training will be provided.

Why Choose Sanctuary Supported Living?

Sanctuary Supported Living is committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. As an employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being:

• Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, rising to a maximum of 30 days (plus public holidays), offering excellent work-life balance.
• Retirement Planning: A supportive pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Health and Wellbeing Support: Access to an Employee Advice Service including counselling, Cycle to Work Scheme, voluntary health plans, employee discounts, and dedicated wellbeing tools and resources.
• Recognition: An employee recognition scheme to celebrate your contributions.

Considerations for Your Career Path:

This apprenticeship at Millbrook House is an excellent springboard for a career in catering and hospitality. It provides a structured path for individuals who are:

• Aspiring Chefs: Looking for a practical, hands-on entry point into the profession, learning from the ground up.
• Career Changers: Seeking to transition into a fulfilling and in-demand industry.
• Individuals Focused on Growth: Eager to gain a recognised qualification while developing essential life and work skills.

Sanctuary Supported Living is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. They encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing adjustments throughout the application process as part of their commitment to being a Disability Confident employer.

Please note: Initial contact with shortlisted applicants will be made by HIT Training for an initial discussion and to complete standard apprentice eligibility checks. Due to the high interest this role may attract, we advise applying early to avoid disappointment.