Apprentice Commis Chef

Just Left School? Uni Not Your Thing? Ready to Cook Up a Career While Earning on the Job?

• Pay: £9.50- £12.21 per hour
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 8:00 till 16:00
• Contract Type: 2 year apprenticeship.
• Uniform and meals provided during shifts.
• Location: Yarm School, The Friarage, Yarm, Stockton on Tees, TS15 9EJ

Are you passionate about food and eager to kickstart your career in the culinary industry? Sodexo is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Commis Chef to join our school catering team in Yarm School. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about food and eager to start a career in catering, while earning and learning on the job.

As part of our busy school kitchen, you’ll help prepare healthy, nutritious meals for pupils and staff, gaining valuable experience in large-scale catering and food safety. You’ll work alongside experienced catering staff and receive structured training leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of daily school meals, ensuring high quality and nutritional standards.
• Learn and follow healthy eating guidelines and special dietary requirements for pupils.
• Help with setting up, serving, and clearing down after meal service.
• Support the safe receipt, storage, and rotation of food supplies.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety at all times.
• Follow all health and safety procedures in line with school and local authority policies.
• Participate fully in all apprenticeship training, assessments, and reviews.
• Contribute positively to the kitchen team and the wider school community.

What You Bring:

Essential

• A genuine interest in food, cooking, and nutrition.
• Friendly, reliable, and able to work well in a team.
• Keen to learn new skills and take direction from experienced colleagues.
• A positive attitude towards working in a school environment and serving children.
• Good communication and time management skills.
• No previous catering experience required — full training provided.

What We Offer:

• A structured apprenticeship programme leading to a Level 2 Commis Chef (or equivalent) qualification
• On-the-job training and mentoring from skilled catering professionals.
• Regular working hours in line with the school day and term time (no late nights or weekends).
• Opportunities for career development within school or local authority catering services.
• A welcoming, supportive, and rewarding work environment.
• Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities.
• Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform.

Join Sodexo and start your journey towards becoming a skilled chef in a company that values growth and development.

Apply now and take the first step in your culinary career!

Note:

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf