# Apprentice Chef > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/apprentice-chef/3441efaf-3063-49e9-9953-571db24b9e80 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/apprentice-chef/3441efaf-3063-49e9-9953-571db24b9e80.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust - **Town:** Poole - **Region:** South West - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Estates and facilities - **Salary:** £12.71 per hour - **Contract type:** Fixed term: 15 months (Apprenticeship) - **Employment type:** Full time - 37.5 hours per week - **Closing date:** 2026-06-21T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-05T15:01:24.851Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Dorset/Poole/Dorset_HealthCare_University_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship-v8034510 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8034510?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### Job overview 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. ### Detailed job description and main 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 candidate’s 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 contact \[email protected\] ## Job Details 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. ## Job Description 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. ## 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 candidate’s 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 contact \[email protected\] ## Person Specification ### Business Travel **Essential** - Subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business ### Information Technology **Essential** - Basic knowledge of computers ### 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 ### 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 ## Documents - [dbs information (pdf, 22.9kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2340) - [staff benefits leaflet (pdf, 316.1kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=695) - [pay scales from 1 april 2025 (pdf, 44.6kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1941) - [applications recruitment flowchart (pdf, 434.1kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=866) - [job description and person specification (pdf, 440.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10354235) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.