Apprentice Chef
The closing date is 14 July 2026
Are you passionate about food and looking to start an exciting career in professional catering? This is a fantastic opportunity to join Dorset County Hospital as an Apprentice Chef and gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become a fully qualified chef.
Over an 18-month apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership with Weymouth College, you will combine hands‑on learning with formal study. You’ll spend four days each week working within our Catering Department, developing practical skills alongside experienced professionals, while one day a week will be dedicated to studying at Weymouth College.
As a paid apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining valuable workplace experience in a busy healthcare environment where high‑quality catering plays an important role in supporting patient care and wellbeing.
This newly created role offers excellent development opportunities for a motivated and enthusiastic individual. You’ll be part of a team that makes a real difference to our patients every day while building a rewarding career in catering and hospitality. This version is more candidate-focused, highlights the benefits, and better emphasises the impact and career development opportunities.
Main duties of the job
- Prepare and cook high-quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients for patients, visitors, and staff at Dorset County Hospital.
- Assist with preparing ingredients such as chopping vegetables, measuring quantities, and assembling dishes.
- Support the production of hot and cold meals in accordance with standardised recipes and portion‑control requirements.
- Learn techniques for large-batch cooking, safe food handling, and the use of modern catering equipment.
- Follow instructions from senior chefs to maintain consistency and quality.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and dietary requirements, including effective management of allergens, religious preferences, and modified textures.
- Strictly adhere to instructions to follow the HACCP, due diligence protocols, and maintain high standards of food safety for patients, staff and visitors.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is that Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well‑being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all underrepresented groups.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
- GCSE D-G or 1-3 or equivalent in Maths and English (functional skills level 1 accepted)
- Basic understanding of hygiene and safety (training provided)
Knowledge & Experience
- Basic understanding of cooking principles
- Basic understanding of hygiene and safety (training provided)
- Experience working in a hospitality/kitchen environment
Skills & Abilities
- Enthusiasm for food, cooking, and hospitality.
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions.
- Good time management and ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
- Positive attitude, reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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