# Apprentice Chef > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/apprentice-chef/f7323fac-914f-4f9c-8593-40a325104ed3 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/apprentice-chef/f7323fac-914f-4f9c-8593-40a325104ed3.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - **Town:** Dorchester - **Region:** South West - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Estates and facilities - **Grade:** Band 2 - **Salary:** £25,272 Per Annum - **Contract type:** Fixed term: 18 months (The course attached to the post is 18 months, post can begin ahead of academic initiation within the catering department.) - **Employment type:** Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Once the course begins, one day a week will be spent at Weymouth College for 18 months.) - **Closing date:** 2026-07-14T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-07-07T09:00:59.256Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Dorset/Dorchester/Dorset_County_Hospital_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Catering/Catering-v8103712 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8103712?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.dchft.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### 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) ## Documents - [dorset map (pdf, 59.3kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=683) - [trust values (pdf, 678.1kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1050) - [dbs code of practice (pdf, 54.9kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=682) - [the nhs constitution (pdf, 568.7kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1051) - [advice for candidates (pdf, 110.5kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=689) - [apprentice chef - jd & ps (pdf, 273.6kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10434161) - [dch recruitment information pack (pdf, 1.2mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2819) - [guidance regarding disabled staff (pdf, 96.3kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=684) - [car parking information for employees (pdf, 225.0kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=680) - [joint strategy - dorset county hospital and dorset healthcare (pdf, 6.0mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2899) ## 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.