Apprentice Commis Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/736016/159937
- Location: Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £13.45 per hour
- Closing date: 09 August 2026
About the role
Apprentice Commis Chef – Modern Apprenticeship
Location:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ
Working hours:
40hrs per week
Working pattern:
5days over 7days
Salary:
£13.45 per hour
Programme length:
Approximately 12 months
Qualification:
Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5
Start Your Culinary Career with Heritage Portfolio
Finished school or college? Passionate about food and interested in becoming a chef?
This is an opportunity to earn a wage, gain an industry-recognised qualification and develop practical kitchen skills within Heritage Portfolio, part of Sodexo Live!
As an Apprentice Commis Chef, you will work alongside experienced chefs across our leisure and event venues in Scotland. You will learn how to prepare, cook and present high-quality food while building the confidence, knowledge and experience needed to begin a successful career in hospitality.
You do not need to be an experienced chef. We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in food, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
About the Apprenticeship
You will work towards a Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5, delivered in partnership with MGT Training.
The programme is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. Upon successful completion, you will achieve a Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5 (GV6X 45).
Most of your development will take place in the kitchen as part of your normal working week. You will learn through practical experience, supported by your manager, workplace team and apprenticeship trainer.
Alongside your day-to-day kitchen experience, you may also have opportunities to take part in:
- Culinary masterclasses
- Supplier visits
- Cohort learning activities
- Workplace assessments
- Experience supporting events and different hospitality services
- Additional culinary development opportunities
What You’ll Gain
- A fully supported Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5
- A Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5
- Paid experience within a professional kitchen team
- Practical training in food preparation, cooking and presentation
- Experience working across leisure, hospitality and event environments
- Support from experienced chefs, your manager and an apprenticeship trainer
- Opportunities to attend masterclasses, supplier visits and development activities
- The skills and confidence to progress your career with Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo
What You’ll Do Day to Day
You will work as part of a busy professional kitchen team, supporting the preparation and delivery of high-quality food for our customers, clients and event guests. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing ingredients, dishes and menu items under the guidance of experienced chefs
- Washing, chopping, weighing and portioning ingredients
- Learning how to cook and present food to the required standard
- Following menus, recipes and portion controls
- Supporting food production and service across leisure venues and events
- Preparing kitchen and service areas before busy periods
- Following food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures
- Checking food temperatures, labelling products and rotating stock correctly
- Keeping kitchen areas clean, safe and organised
- Using kitchen equipment and cleaning materials safely
- Reporting damaged equipment or maintenance issues to your manager
- Completing apprenticeship learning, training and workplace assessments
- Continuing to develop your culinary knowledge, practical skills and confidence
What We’re Looking For
You do not need previous professional kitchen experience. What matters most is your attitude, reliability and interest in learning. We are looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine interest in food and developing a career as a chef
- Is willing to work towards the Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5
- Is curious, motivated and happy to learn through practical experience
- Can listen to instructions and ask questions when support is needed
- Enjoys working as part of a team
- Can remain positive and helpful during busy services
- Takes pride in completing tasks carefully and to a good standard
- Understands the importance of punctuality, reliability and personal presentation
- Is willing to follow food safety, health and safety and hygiene procedures
- Can work flexibly to support the needs of the venue and its events
Previous experience, work experience or study in catering, hospitality or food preparation would be helpful, but it is not essential.
Who Is This Opportunity For?
This apprenticeship could be right for you if you:
- Age 16 to 19years old - In line with the Skills Development Scotland ‘Developing the Young Workforce: Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy
- Have recently finished school or college and are deciding what to do next
- Want to earn money while gaining a recognised qualification
- Prefer practical learning to studying in a classroom full time
- Enjoy cooking, trying new foods or learning how dishes are made
- Want experience within leisure, events and professional hospitality
- Are looking for a supported first step into the workplace
- Want to build skills that could lead to a permanent chef position or further apprenticeship training
Perks of the Job
- “Perks at Work” platform, providing discounts on cinema, restaurants, retail and more
- Uniform and personal protective equipment provided
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Support from experienced culinary professionals
- Opportunities to gain experience across Heritage Portfolio venues and events
- A diverse and supportive working environment where your development matters
About Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo
Heritage Portfolio is one of Scotland’s leading hospitality and event catering businesses. We create memorable food and hospitality experiences across some of the country’s most distinctive leisure, cultural and event venues.
As part of Sodexo Live!, we combine the creativity and personality of a specialist Scottish hospitality business with the career opportunities and support of a global organisation.
At Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo, you will be part of a team that values inclusion, development and helping people grow their careers from the very beginning.
Click Apply Now and take your first step towards becoming a professional chef.
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KEY BENEFITS
-
Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 5NZ
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