About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Chef to join our Catering Team within Dorset Healthcare and develop a rewarding career within NHS settings. This is a developmental apprenticeship role where you will work towards the full responsibilities outlined in the job description while completing a professional chef qualification.
Based in partnership with Coastland College, the apprenticeship includes one day per week attendance at college (Weymouth) alongside practical workplace experience across multiple NHS sites. Applicants must therefore be able to travel independently as part of the programme.
Working under the guidance of experienced chefs and managers, you will support the smooth day-to-day running of busy healthcare kitchens, preparing high-quality meals for patients, staff and visitors in line with NHS National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
Main duties of the job
This varied role will give you hands-on experience in:
Food preparation and cooking, including specialist dietary requirements
Maintaining food safety and hygiene standards
Stock control and reducing food waste
Supporting menu planning and service improvement
Working collaboratively within a fast-paced healthcare environment
Supervising and supporting junior team members where appropriate
We are looking for someone who is:
Passionate about food and catering
Eager to learn and develop professionally
Organised, reliable and able to work as part of a team
Flexible and committed to delivering excellent customer service
This is an excellent opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, valuable workplace experience and build a long-term career within NHS catering services.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is supporting people getting into work by offering an employability service. This includes help with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do [email protected]
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Training Essential
English language and maths qualifications at GCSE level or equivalent
Desirable
Understanding of Health and Safety procedures, HACCP, COSHH, Allergen principles
Information Technology Essential
Basic knowledge of computers
Personalqualities and attributes Essential
Proven ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure Is self-aware, which includes awareness of impact on others High level of drive, self- motivation and energy to see tasks and projects through to conclusion Ability to motivate and influence others and manage resistance to change Proven ability to achieve results both autonomously and as part of a team with the confidence to take initiative within boundaries
Business Travel Essential
Subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide
Nuffield Industrial Estate
Dorset
BH17 0RB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)