Chef Apprentice
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1324814/154661
- Location: Colchester
- Job type: Full Time - 35 hours per week
- Salary: £12.21 per hour
- Closing date: 16 March 2026
About the role
- 35 hours per week
- 5 over 7 days per week
- £12.21 per hour
- Free Car parking
About the role:
Just Left School? Uni Not Your Thing? Ready to Cook Up a Career While Earning on the Job?
This is your moment! A game-changing opportunity has landed at Sodexo! one of the UK’s most dynamic and diverse employers — and it could be the start of something BIG!
We’re on the lookout for passionate, energetic, food-loving individuals to join us as Apprentice Chefs through our Sodexo Apprentice Culinary Academy. Whether you dream of running your own kitchen or creating dishes that make people smile, this is where your culinary career begins.
Sodexo is looking for a motivated Chef Apprentice to join our dynamic kitchen team at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT
What you’ll gain
- A fully funded Level 2 Chef Apprenticeship qualification
- Real job experience in a fast-paced, professional kitchen — learning from talented chefs
- Ongoing mentorship, training, and support via the Sodexo Apprentice Culinary Academy
- Specialist culinary masterclasses, events and competitions, including Plant Forward, Nutrition, and Chocolatier Masterclasses!
- A role that evolves with you. Grow your skills, shape your own journey, and build a career you’re proud of
What we’re looking for
- A passion for food and a keen interest in a career as a chef
- Willingness to learn and work as part of a team
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards
- Good verbal communication skills
Who is this for?
- Just finished school or college and not sure what’s next?
- Uni not worked out, but you still want a qualification and career?
- Love food, cooking, and making people happy through great meals?
- Confident, curious, and keen to get stuck in with a can-do attitude?
- Ready to learn, grow, and take your skills to the next level?
No previous kitchen experience is needed — just a genuine passion for food and a willingness to learn.
Perks of the Job
- “Perks at Work” platform — discounts on cinema, restaurants, retail and more
- Free meals on duty (site dependent)
- Uniform and personal protective equipment provided
- Holiday allowance + bank holidays
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Opportunity to take part in national chef competitions and events
- Be part of a diverse, supportive team where your career really matters
About Sodexo
We’re one of the UK’s leading hospitality and facilities management providers, delivering services to schools, hospitals, defence sites, corporate offices and more. Through our Apprentice Culinary Academy, we invest in the next generation of chefs — and that could be you.
Apply Now
Ready to get started? Join the Sodexo today.
Click Apply Now to find out more and start your journey.
Find your flavour with Sodexo. Shape your future, shape lives.
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!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications
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KEY BENEFITS
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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.
Colchester, United Kingdom, CO2 7UT
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Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.