Apprentice Chef

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community.  We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.   
 
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.   
 
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.    
 
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here  

 
The Role and Department   

“Passionately delivering an outstanding experience” 

 We are a team of over 500, providing fresh and exciting catering throughout Durham University. This includes college dining halls, college bars, college cafés, visitor attractions and branded retail catering outlets. 

Our students are extremely important to us but we also provide catering to University colleagues, commercial guests, and VIPs including royalty. 

 Apprentice Chef, working alongside the Head chef, and as part of the food production team, the post-holder will consistently show great enthusiasm, prepare, cook and present a wide range of foods to the highest quality in line with prescribed recipes and training given. 

Conscientious, with excellent attention to detail, they have a passion for food and service excellence.    

Whilst the post-holder has a dedicated college/outlet, there may be times when they are required to work in other food production areas e.g. event support, as part of their training  The post holder will also assist with day to day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries.  

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. 

Successful candidates are expected to promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University at all times. 
   
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.  
   

Working at Durham   
 
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:   

•    27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.  No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.  
•    Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.   
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.   
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.  
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)   
•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues  from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.  
•    Generous pension schemes.   

What you need to demonstrate when you apply:

Essential Criteria    

1. NVQ Level 2 Catering and Hospitality.

2. Good spoken and written communication skills.  

3. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.  

4. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.

5. Recent experience of building and fostering positive working relationships as part of a team

6. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines. 

7. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.

8. Recent experience of working in all sections of the kitchen in College/College restaurant.

9. Recent experience of producing food to a consistently good standard

10. Recent experience of working to recipes

11. Positive ‘can do’ attitude.

12. Excellent attention to detail.

13. Willingness to work flexibly.

14. Ability to work well under pressure.

15. Friendly, positive and courteous. 

Desirable Criteria

16. Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.  

17. Experience of collaboratively working in a team. 

18. Level 2 Basic food safety hygiene.

19. Experience of working in a customer focussed service.

20. Previous experience of maintaining a clean working environment. 

How to Apply    
   
We prefer to receive applications online.  When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and submit the application form and include the information within the form.  
 
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.   
 

Who to contact for more information  
   
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dave Walker would be happy to speak to you. [email protected]   

Typical Role Requirements    
 

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate. 
 
Service Delivery 

• Provide an excellent service to our [students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role] by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for). 
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided [e.g. safety shoes] and being aware of any hazards. 
• Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools [e.g. electrical appliances] from more experienced colleagues. 
• Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
• Help check and monitor stock controls. 

• Learn and adhere to general health, safety and security procedures within the service area in line with Health & Safety at Work guidelines, including departmental systems for health & safety and food safety.      

• Learn and complete work in accordance with risk assessments and departmental procedures for health & safety and food safety specific to the nature of the work area and environment. 
• Ensure that food is appropriately produced, presented, served and replenished.  

• Maintain wash up and food production areas and equipment to an exceptional standard of cleanliness. 
• Learn how to, and use task specific manual and specialist tools to deliver services 
• Where directed wear and use personal protective equipment and clothing to carry out tasks, including uniform.    
• Use a range of equipment, tools and resources, digital devices, software and applications where necessary.   
• Record and store information in a prescribed order.   
• Carry out basic administrative tasks under supervision.   
• Learn how to, and use manual and electronic everyday tools, equipment and applications to deliver services  
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and the University’s values. 

Teamwork 
•    Help and cooperate with the rest of your team. 
•    Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked. 
•    Help colleagues maintain [facilities and equipment] safely and securely. 
•    Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues. 
 
Communication/Personal  

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. 
• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with [students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role]. 

• Any other reasonable duties.  

• Anticipate individual needs of students, staff and visitors and proactively provide assistance where required. 
• Share menu and food product knowledge, including answering questions regarding individual allergen and dietary requirements 
• Ensure that all feedback is brought to the attention of your line manager 

Specific role requirements:

•    To fulfil the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship, the post-holder will be required to complete training on a weekly basis towards the Apprentice Framework in NVQ Level 2 Production Chef Standard.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.    

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.