Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Apprentice Chef
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Are you passionate about food, keen to learn and looking for an exciting opportunity to build a career as a chef?
We are looking for four enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Chefs to join our Catering Teams within Dorset HealthCare.
This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience in NHS healthcare catering while working towards a professional chef qualification.
Where will you be based?
We have four apprenticeship positions available, based at:
- St Ann’s Hospital
- Alderney Hospital
- Bridport Hospital
- Blandford Hospital
The apprenticeship starts in January 2027 and is delivered in partnership with Coastland College. As part of the programme, you will be required to attend college in Weymouth one day per week, alongside your practical workplace training.
You will need to be able to travel independently to your workplace and college as required.
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.
What will you do?
Working alongside experienced chefs and catering managers, you’ll become an important part of the team responsible for providing nutritious, high-quality meals to patients, staff, and visitors.
You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional healthcare kitchen, developing your culinary skills while learning how catering plays an important role in patient care and wellbeing.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your Apprenticeship Will Give You Experience In
- Preparing and cooking a wide range of high-quality meals
- Preparing food to meet specialist dietary and nutritional requirements
- Following excellent food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
- Learning about stock control, ordering, and reducing food waste
- Supporting menu planning and service improvements
- Working effectively as part of a busy and supportive catering team
- Developing your organisation, communication, and customer service skills
- Taking on additional responsibilities and supporting junior colleagues as your skills and confidence develop
What are we looking for?
You’ll Be Someone Who
- Has an interest in food, cooking, and catering
- Is enthusiastic about learning new skills and developing a career
- Enjoys working as part of a team
- Is committed to providing excellent service to patients, staff, and visitors
- Is willing to learn and follow high standards of food safety and hygiene
At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities, and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens, and thriving communities.
For further details / informal visits contact:
- Name: Siobhan Baxter
- Job title: Facilities Area Manager
- Email address: SIOBHAN.BAXTER@nhs.net
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location