Apprentice Commis Chef

Apprentice Commis Chef – Modern Apprenticeship

Location: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS

Working hours: 40hrs per week

Working pattern: 5days over 7days

Salary: £13.45 per hour

Programme length: Approximately 12 months

Qualification: Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5

Start Your Culinary Career with Heritage Portfolio

Finished 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 Apprenticeship

You 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 masterclasses

Supplier visits

Cohort learning activities

Workplace assessments

Experience supporting events and different hospitality services

Additional culinary development opportunities

What You’ll Gain

A fully supported Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5A Diploma in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5Paid experience within a professional kitchen team

Practical training in food preparation, cooking and presentation

Experience working across leisure, hospitality and event environments

Support from experienced chefs, your manager and an apprenticeship trainer

Opportunities to attend masterclasses, supplier visits and development activities

The skills and confidence to progress your career with Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo

What You’ll Do Day to Day

You 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 chefs

Washing, chopping, weighing and portioning ingredients

Learning how to cook and present food to the required standard

Following menus, recipes and portion controls

Supporting food production and service across leisure venues and events

Preparing kitchen and service areas before busy periods

Following food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures

Checking food temperatures, labelling products and rotating stock correctly

Keeping kitchen areas clean, safe and organised

Using kitchen equipment and cleaning materials safely

Reporting damaged equipment or maintenance issues to your manager

Completing apprenticeship learning, training and workplace assessments

Continuing to develop your culinary knowledge, practical skills and confidence

What We’re Looking For

You 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 chef

Is willing to work towards the Chef Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5Is curious, motivated and happy to learn through practical experience

Can listen to instructions and ask questions when support is needed

Enjoys working as part of a team

Can remain positive and helpful during busy services

Takes pride in completing tasks carefully and to a good standard

Understands the importance of punctuality, reliability and personal presentation

Is willing to follow food safety, health and safety and hygiene procedures

Can work flexibly to support the needs of the venue and its events

Previous 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 Strategy

Have recently finished school or college and are deciding what to do next

Want to earn money while gaining a recognised qualification

Prefer practical learning to studying in a classroom full time

Enjoy cooking, trying new foods or learning how dishes are made

Want experience within leisure, events and professional hospitality

Are looking for a supported first step into the workplace

Want to build skills that could lead to a permanent chef position or further apprenticeship training

Perks of the Job

“Perks at Work” platform, providing discounts on cinema, restaurants, retail and more

Uniform and personal protective equipment provided

Wellbeing and mental health support

Learning and development opportunities

Support from experienced culinary professionals

Opportunities to gain experience across Heritage Portfolio venues and eventsA diverse and supportive working environment where your development matters

About Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo

Heritage 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.