Rick Stein launches Chef Apprenticeship scheme to kickstart the careers of tomorrow’s chefs
Rick Stein is welcoming budding chefs to learn from experienced professionals and become part of the family with Rick Stein’s Chef Apprenticeship. Anyone over the age of 16 can enrol and start the work-based scheme before September 2022, and candidates do not need previous experience – just a thirst for gastronomy.
Based in one of Rick Stein’s Cornwall kitchens, apprentices will learn on the job from the group’s senior chefs. They will benefit from weekly sessions with expert chef tutors from Truro & Penwith College, developing the foundations to become successful chefs – including integral skills such as filleting fish; the art of classic sauces and professional vegetable preparation. In addition, Rick’s most famous recipes inspired by his travels around the world will be mastered in the scheme, to ensure that high quality and consistency is achieved in each dish, with food knowledge deeper developed by participating in tastings with the head chefs.
Apprentices will have the opportunity to gain paid work experience – earning at least £9.30 per hour (under 18s) and £9.60 (over 18s). Apprentices will learn how to work effectively as a team with kitchen and front of house staff and deliver outstanding customer service – at Rick Stein’s Cornish restaurants: from flagship 1975 fine-dining venue The Seafood Restaurant, the cosy The Cornish Arms pub and the much-loved Rick Stein Café.
Apprentices will work 40 hours per week with eight of those at Truro & Penwith College from September 2022 and will receive the same benefits as Rick Stein employees – including 50% off in all restaurants, 20% in shops and online and discounted hotel stays and cookery courses; flexible shifts; tax free tips and 28 days paid holiday.
After successfully completing the apprenticeship, students will be offered a permanent contract as a Rick Stein chef in one of the group’s kitchens and the scheme will continue to invest in their development, offering future promotional opportunities. Successful apprentices will receive a Level 2 in Professional Cookery qualification. Offering flexibility for its employees, Rick Stein Restaurants operate flexible working, with full-time employees able to request to work a four-day week.
For more information – or to apply – visit https://www.rickstein.com/careers/chef-apprenticeship/