What to expect as a chef apprentice

A chef apprenticeship is the perfect launchpad for those who love to get hands-on in the kitchen. At Greene King, becoming an apprentice chef is a great way to get stuck in, learn from the pros, and earn while you learn. 

Our apprentice chefs don’t watch from the sidelines. You’ll be cooking up a storm from day one. From dishing up tasty treats and prepping ingredients to learning the ins and outs of a busy kitchen, it’s the first step on a career-long journey. Plus, with all the training and support you need to thrive, you’ll gain skills and experience to take your culinary story wherever you want it to go. 

What’s life like as a chef apprentice at Greene King, we hear you ask? Let’s dig in and find out. 

What is a chef apprenticeship?

A chef apprenticeship is an entry-point that combines on-the-job experience with structured learning. Got no experience? No problem. An apprentice chef just needs a passion for food and an eagerness to learn and you’re good to go. 

If you’d rather be flipping food than flipping textbooks, our apprentice chef programme is the recipe you need. Instead of being stuck in a classroom, you’ll work in a real kitchen alongside experienced chefs. An apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds:

• Practical training - work in one of our buzzing kitchens from day one
• Expert support - as a part of our family, you’ll have the support of pros and a dedicated learning coach as well as masterclasses
• Flexible learning - study for just three hours a week with webinars and workshops as well as regular catch ups
• Get qualified - give your career a leg-up with a Chef Apprenticeship Qualification at the end of the course

What does an apprentice chef do?

As an apprentice chef at Greene King, you won’t just fade into the background. You’ll be a key member of our kitchen team, learning how professional kitchens operate in the process. As you begin your journey as a chef apprentice, you’ll discover the power of teamwork. Communication is the secret ingredient of our kitchens, and you’ll plenty of opportunities to communicate with chefs, servers, and managers alike. 

From chopping and dicing to making sure every meal looks as good as it tastes, you’ll learn the key roles and responsibilities of a chef. With our apprentice chef jobs, you’ll be a bit of a legal whizz too, making sure each. Hygiene isn’t just about keeping yourself clean; you’ll be a hygiene master, making sure the kitchen sparkles too.

By the time you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll feel right at home in a fast-paced kitchen and ready to write a new page in your culinary story. 

Why become a chef apprentice?

Becoming an apprentice does a lot for your career. For one, you can earn while you learn. Imagine being paid to learn the secrets of a kitchen – that’s what being a chef apprentice is all about. You’ll pick up valuable skills with the added bonus of being paid from day one. Winner winner!

As well as learning in a real kitchen, it’s also a way to fast-track your career. You’ll work alongside experienced chefs and pick up experiences that you can’t get in a classroom. By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll be set to move up the ranks. 

One of the big benefits of our chef apprenticeships is being a part of our winning team. At Greene King, we care. You’ll be surrounded by passionate, supportive teammates who are rooting for your success. 

How long does a chef apprenticeship take?

A chef apprenticeship programme at Greene King takes 15 months to complete. At the end of this time, you’ll get a shiny nationally recognised qualification to show off as well as all the skills you’ll need to become a chef. With your new-found skills, it’ll be time to take centre stage and shine in the kitchen. Our apprenticeships are designed to set you up for success, so you can get out there and deliver dream dishes.

Hear from some of our chef apprentices

Thinking of applying for an apprenticeship? Why wouldn’t you! Don’t just take our word for it, though. Some of our apprentice chefs had this to say…

Ethan Moody: Cooking has been my passion since the age of four. My apprenticeship offers unique opportunities with great masterclasses. I wanted a course that combined both physical and theory learning, supporting me to hopefully become a great chef. This route is perfect for me, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Thomas Scarrott: I didn’t have a good relationship with learning at school, as I am more practically minded. My apprenticeship has been amazing, the one-to-one support has really pushed me positively to be the best I can be in my role back of house. I have learnt so much about being a chef and want to progress further within Greene King.

Christine Partington: The apprenticeship has helped progress my career and learn skills in a different aspect of the business.

Ready to get started as a chef apprentice?

A chef apprenticeship at Greene King is the first step into a career you love. From real-world experience to expert training, you’ll have all the support and training you need to become a whizz in the kitchen. 

Sound like the right opportunity for you? Explore our chef apprenticeships today and get ready to make your mark in the kitchen.