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Apprentice Development Chef

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Introduction
Ever wondered who creates the next big food product? As an Apprentice Development Chef, you'll work with experienced professionals to develop, test and launch exciting new products while gaining valuable skills, practical experience and a recognised qualification.
About The Employer
Billington Foods is a leading UK food manufacturer supplying the Foodservice, Retail and business-to-business markets with high-quality chilled and frozen sauces, soups, pies and desserts. Part of the Billington Group, the business combines a strong heritage with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, product development and food production. Home to the well-known Glorious! soup range, Billington Foods is committed to creating delicious products for all occasions, whether enjoyed at home, out of home or on the go. With factories based in Scunthorpe and Wellingborough, the company prides itself on high standards of food quality, safety and creativity, making it an exciting place to begin a career in food development and production.
What You'll Do
As our new apprentice you will focus on creating, testing and improving new food products for large-scale production. Unlike a traditional chef, who prepares and serves dishes in a kitchen, a Development Chef works on recipe innovation, product consistency and emerging consumer trends.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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You will receive full training, mentoring and support throughout your apprenticeship.
Your main duties will include:
- Assisting the New Product Development team in developing commercially viable products for our customers
- Taking every opportunity to learn the skills required to become a successful Development Chef, including product knowledge, nutrition and commercial awareness
- Developing a strong interest in food, ingredients and emerging food trends, while building useful industry contacts and resources
- Building effective working relationships across all areas of the business
- Supporting the Process team with product trials and launches to ensure successful factory scale-up and develop your operational knowledge
- Assisting the Development team in promoting a strong food culture and championing our food values both internally and externally
- Accurately inputting recipes onto the development system and ensuring raw materials are sourced in a timely manner to support the costing process
- Supporting Development Chefs with customer presentations while learning the skills and techniques needed to confidently lead presentations independently in the future
- Learning about the ingredients, methods and processes used within the kitchen, and understanding how they translate into factory production


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Training Outcome
This apprenticeship programme provides a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to build a strong foundation of practical development chef skills
The apprenticeship will lead to a permanent job role for the right candidate, and could include internal progression opportunities
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
Qualifications
- Desired - GCSE - English - 3/D or above
- Desired - GCSE - Maths - 3/D or above
Course Information
Course: Commis chef (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Catering and hospitality
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
Working Week: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.
Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months
Training Provider: TEC PARTNERSHIP
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