Apprentice Chef | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Chef to join our Catering Team within Dorset Healthcare and develop a rewarding career within NHS settings. This is a developmental apprenticeship role where you will work towards the full responsibilities outlined in the job description while completing a professional chef qualification. Based in partnership with Coastland College, the apprenticeship includes one day per week attendance at college (Weymouth) alongside practical workplace experience across multiple NHS sites. Applicants must therefore be able to travel independently as part of the programme. Working under the guidance of experienced chefs and managers, you will support the smooth day-to-day running of busy healthcare kitchens, preparing high-quality meals for patients, staff and visitors in line with NHS National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink. 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. This varied role will give you hands-on experience in: · Food preparation and cooking, including specialist dietary requirements · Maintaining food safety and hygiene standards · Stock control and reducing food waste · Supporting menu planning and service improvement · Working collaboratively within a fast-paced healthcare environment · Supervising and supporting junior team members where appropriate We are looking for someone who is: · Passionate about food and catering · Eager to learn and develop professionally · Organised, reliable and able to work as part of a team · Flexible and committed to delivering excellent customer service This is an excellent opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, valuable workplace experience and build a long-term career within NHS catering services. 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. 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 the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role. All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application. As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net This advert closes on Sunday 28 Jun 2026

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