Apprentice Commis Chef – Modern ApprenticeshipLocation: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TSWorking hours: 40hrs per weekWorking pattern: 5days over 7daysSalary: £13.45 per hourProgramme length: Approximately 12 monthsQualification: Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5Start Your Culinary Career with Heritage PortfolioFinished 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 ApprenticeshipYou 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 masterclassesSupplier visitsCohort learning activitiesWorkplace assessmentsExperience supporting events and different hospitality servicesAdditional culinary development opportunitiesWhat You’ll GainA fully supported Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5A Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5Paid experience within a professional kitchen teamPractical training in food preparation, cooking and presentationExperience working across leisure, hospitality and event environmentsSupport from experienced chefs, your manager and an apprenticeship trainerOpportunities to attend masterclasses, supplier visits and development activitiesThe skills and confidence to progress your career with Heritage Portfolio and SodexoWhat You’ll Do Day to DayYou 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 chefsWashing, chopping, weighing and portioning ingredientsLearning how to cook and present food to the required standardFollowing menus, recipes and portion controlsSupporting food production and service across leisure venues and eventsPreparing kitchen and service areas before busy periodsFollowing food safety, hygiene and allergen proceduresChecking food temperatures, labelling products and rotating stock correctlyKeeping kitchen areas clean, safe and organisedUsing kitchen equipment and cleaning materials safelyReporting damaged equipment or maintenance issues to your managerCompleting apprenticeship learning, training and workplace assessmentsContinuing to develop your culinary knowledge, practical skills and confidenceWhat We’re Looking ForYou 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 chefIs willing to work towards the Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5Is curious, motivated and happy to learn through practical experienceCan listen to instructions and ask questions when support is neededEnjoys working as part of a teamCan remain positive and helpful during busy servicesTakes pride in completing tasks carefully and to a good standardUnderstands the importance of punctuality, reliability and personal presentationIs willing to follow food safety, health and safety and hygiene proceduresCan work flexibly to support the needs of the venue and its eventsPrevious 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 StrategyHave recently finished school or college and are deciding what to do nextWant to earn money while gaining a recognised qualificationPrefer practical learning to studying in a classroom full timeEnjoy cooking, trying new foods or learning how dishes are madeWant experience within leisure, events and professional hospitalityAre looking for a supported first step into the workplaceWant to build skills that could lead to a permanent chef position or further apprenticeship trainingPerks of the Job“Perks at Work” platform, providing discounts on cinema, restaurants, retail and moreUniform and personal protective equipment providedWellbeing and mental health supportLearning and development opportunitiesSupport from experienced culinary professionalsOpportunities to gain experience across Heritage Portfolio venues and eventsA diverse and supportive working environment where your development mattersAbout Heritage Portfolio and SodexoHeritage 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.
