Job overview
Are you passionate about food and looking to start an exciting career in professional catering? This is a fantastic opportunity to join Dorset County Hospital as an Apprentice Chef and gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become a fully qualified chef.
Over an 18-month apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership with Weymouth College, you will combine hands-on learning with formal study. You'll spend four days each week working within our Catering Department, developing practical skills alongside experienced professionals, while one day a week will be dedicated to studying at Weymouth College.
As a paid apprentice, you'll earn while you learn, gaining valuable workplace experience in a busy healthcare environment where high-quality catering plays an important role in supporting patient care and wellbeing.
This newly created role offers excellent development opportunities for a motivated and enthusiastic individual. You'll be part of a team that makes a real difference to our patients every day while building a rewarding career in catering and hospitality. This version is more candidate-focused, highlights the benefits, and better emphasises the impact and career development opportunities
Main duties of the job
Prepare and cook high-quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients for patients, visitors, and staff at Dorset County Hospital.
Assist with preparing ingredients such as chopping vegetables, measuring quantities, and assembling dishes.
Support the production of hot and cold meals in accordance with standardised recipes and portion-control requirements.
Learn techniques for large-batch cooking, safe food handling, and the use of modern catering equipment.
Follow instructions from senior chefs to maintain consistency and quality.
Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and dietary requirements, including effective management of allergens, religious preferences, and modified textures.
Strictly adhere to instructions to follow the HACCP, due diligence protocols, and maintain high standards of food safety for patients, staff and visitors
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Prepare and cook high-quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients for patients, visitors, and staff at Dorset County Hospital.
Assist with preparing ingredients such as chopping vegetables, measuring quantities, and assembling dishes.
Support the production of hot and cold meals in accordance with standardised recipes and portion-control requirements.
Learn techniques for large-batch cooking, safe food handling, and the use of modern catering equipment.
Follow instructions from senior chefs to maintain consistency and quality.
Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and dietary requirements, including effective management of allergens, religious preferences, and modified textures.
Strictly adhere to instructions to follow the HACCP, due diligence protocols, and maintain high standards of food safety for patients, staff and visitors.
Person specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Enthusiasm for food, cooking, and hospitality.
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions.
- Good time management and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Positive attitude, reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Basic understanding of cooking principles
Desirable
- Basic understanding of hygiene and safety (training provided)
- Experience working in a hospitality/kitchen environment
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- GCSE D-G or 1-3 or equivalent in Maths and English (functional skills level 1 accepted)
- Basic understanding of hygiene and safety (training provided)
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 2 Hospital Porter roles in Dorchester
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Apprentice Chef with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per Annum. The contract type is Fixed term: 18 months (The course attached to the post is 18 months, post can begin ahead of academic initiation within the catering department.). The application deadline is 14 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (07 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.