Commis Chef Apprenticeship

Commis Chef Apprenticeship role at Old Buckenham Hall School

We are looking to appoint staff who are committed to supporting the development of OBH and its pupils, and who are motivated to be part of a busy rural boarding school. We value individuals who work hard and support others, but who are also able to have fun and embrace the joy of prep school education. 

Apprenticeship Overview:

• Salary: £7.55 an hour, Automatic salary increase after 1 year of apprenticeship for those who are 19+


• Working Week: Monday to Friday 11 am till 7:30 pm, every other Saturday 6:30 am till 2:30 pm with a 30-minute lunch-break


• Duration: 19 months 


• Hours: 40 hours per week


• Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship standard qualification


• Online training and support by our dedicated tutors


• Address: Brettenham Park Bury Rd, Ipswich, United Kingdom, IP7 7P

Duties:

• Prepare meals, in accordance with agreed recipes and methods


• Present food to a high standard


• Have knowledge of key nutrient groups and specific dietary needs


• Serve food to staff and students, adhering to portion controls


• Contribute ideas for school events


• Ensure the maintenance of a clean and orderly working environment


• Undertake basic record-keeping as required


• Assist in the monitoring and arrangement of orderly and secure storage of supplies


• Operation and storage of catering equipment in accordance with instructions


• Assist in allergen labelling

Specific vacancy requirements:

• Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan.


• Contribute to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities e.g. themed lunch services.


• Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding students.


• Work within the school’s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors


• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive,
  courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues.


• Engage actively in the performance review process.


• Adhere to Old Buckenham Hall policies and staff handbook.


• Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time.

Essential Skills Required:

• Ability to work effectively both in collaboration with other professionals/teams


• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to relate to young people and colleagues


• Excellent organisational skills / Time management / Ability to prioritise and organise own workload / able to work to deadlines


• Desire to learn and develop culinary skills


• Approachable 


• Reliable 


• Well presented


• Flexible with working hours according to the needs of the school

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

The successful candidate will obtain a Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship standard qualification.

Each apprentice will have a dedicated tutor who will conduct monthly remote tutorials and reviews, providing continuous support throughout the apprenticeship program. Depending on the apprentice’s needs, the frequency of these sessions may vary. 

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship? 

Potential full-time employment for the right candidate upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

About the Host Employer:  

Set in 85 acres of Suffolk parkland, Old Buckenham Hall is one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful preparatory schools. Since 1862, it has provided children with a rigorous curriculum and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities, all underpinned by an outstanding system of pastoral care. A co-educational school for children aged 2 to 13, OBH serves a boarding and day community that go on to attend some of the most aspirational senior schools in the UK. Many of these pupils leave having achieved scholarships. Regular destinations include Eton, Harrow, Oundle, Uppingham and Rugby, as well schools in East Anglia. James Large joined the school in September 2023 as its tenth Headmaster and now leads the school in its mission to deliver the premier boarding prep school education in the East of England. In June 2024, the school enjoyed a very successful Full Inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), with inspectors noting “leaders’ continual commitment to providing the best possible education and care for pupils results in a dynamic and forward-thinking school” alongside “a culture of trust, respect and aspiration within the school community.”

Pre-employment checks. Please be aware that upon a successful offer of employment, the company completes digitalised right-to-work checks and DBS applications via an external provider - 'Matrix Screening'. The company also completes an internal online social media search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.