Job Description

Are you passionate about food, creativity, and delivering exceptional dining experiences? If so, apply for this superb opportunity to earn while studying a

Commis Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship

.

Jacaranda Catering

, a prestigious, high-end catering company is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic

Apprentice Chef

to join their dynamic kitchen team.

Known for their bespoke menus, luxury events, and outstanding service, by joining Jacaranda Catering as an Apprentice Chef you will work alongside highly experienced chefs and culinary professionals, gaining hands-on experience across all areas of kitchen operations. You will learn classic and contemporary cooking techniques, presentation skills, and the standards required for luxury service. This role is perfect for someone excited to build a strong culinary foundation in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Key Responsibilities

Assisting with food preparation and plating to high presentation standards Learning proper food handling, hygiene, and safety procedures Supporting senior chefs across a variety of specialist kitchen sections Maintaining a clean and organised working environment Contributing to events, private dining experiences, and tasting sessions
No previous kitchen experience is required but enthusiasm will be essential! If you have a genuine passion for cooking and the culinary arts and think you would thrive under the pressure of a professional kitchen, we urge you to apply.

Key Skills

Positive attitude Team player Good attention to detail Willingness to learn Pride in work Strong work ethic Thrives under pressure Flexible Reliable Punctual Adaptable Takes direction well Hardworking Friendly Good communication Focused Trustworthy

Working Week:

30 hours per week on a rota basis which could be any day of the week business depending. Includes 6 hours for study.

Salary:

11,778 per annum in line with the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. For further information, please see below.

Qualifications Required:

GCSE Maths and English minimum grade 2 desired

About the Employer:

Jacaranda was created by Bee, Jon & Ian in 1998 with the collective aim to establish a catering company with a reputation for exceptional food and service, attention to detail and value for money. Now well known throughout Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, we are proud to say along our journey we have reached all our aims (and more!) and continue to grow and develop as a business. For further information please visit: https://jacarandacatering.com/

Future Prospects:

A full-time chef position will be available on successful completion of the apprenticeship

Training to be given:

Commis Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship On the job training and mentoring with experienced colleagues

Things to Consider:

The location is quite remote in location so transport needs to be a consideration. Driving licence would be an advantage but not essential if travel arrangements are in place. Public transport to the location is limited Successful applicant can start before Christmas although the learning side of the apprenticeship will start Spring 2026. Exact hours/days will depend on events, so times are a representation of a typical week. Applicants must be

FREE

from full time education to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for a

MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS

prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. Applicants should

LIVE CLOSE TO

the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. This is an 18-month apprenticeship (training period) including End Point Assessment.

Further Information:

Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (ANMW): The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is 7.55 per hour (As of the 1st of April 2025). This is the legal minimum pay per hour applying to 16- to 18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For apprentices 19 or over who have completed their first year and are continuing their apprenticeship, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their ages applies.

Please go to https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/ or https://www.chichester.ac.uk/study-with-us/apprenticeships/ for more information about doing an apprenticeship.

Job Types: Part-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: 11,778.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:

West Sussex, GU29 9AL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

Why are you interested in this apprenticeship? What are your long term ambitions? What else would you like the company to know about you? Please confirm you have read and understood the 'Things to Consider' section of the job description.
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Location:

West Sussex, GU29 9AL (preferred)
Work Location: In person