Apprentice Chef

Our Chef/Proprietor, Michael Hjort, worked for some time as Michel Roux Jr’s Sous Chef & uses his experience to influence our menu. Our focus is homemade French inspired dishes, created using Yorkshire produce wherever possible & served in our relaxed, informal restaurant.

We are in a 17th century listed building in the centre of York, along with great food, there’s lots of history and a few ghost stories!

Despite the narrow frontage (typical of buildings in central York), the building is surprisingly large occupying the three floors of an historical rope makers and saddlers shop. This range of diverse rooms both large and intimate, makes us ideal for Parties. Especially in our loft – seating up to 50 guests.

Job description

A great opportunity to start your career a chef!

We are looking for an individual with a passion for food, to join our kitchen at The Chopping Block. Previous experience in a professional kitchen is not required.

Principally you will learn the cooking and preparing of food under instruction. Stock rotation/control, cleaning of kitchen and washing up and record keeping also involved. Will move onto all sections and be (in time) expected to manage section, order materials etc.

You will work alongside proprietor and small team of chefs. To undertake all aspects of work in the kitchen with the aim of joining the team.

Time to complete the qualification varies, but should be on average 18 months. Initially we offer £7 an hour – which is above the minimum apprentice wage, but as you start to contribute we review the rate quarterly to reflect this contribution. A permanent post at the restaurant may be available to a successful apprentice.

Duties include:

• Preparing ingredients
• Adhering to the restaurant menu
• Following food health and safety procedures.
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Assist other chefs and staff
• Deliver food in a fast-paced environment.

As an Apprentice you will be included on a Level 2 Commis Chef Qualification. Your qualification will be delivered Inspiro Learning who will support your Apprenticeship. This will involve a Regional Trainer coming to visit you in the workplace on a regular basis to deliver the training and guide you through your Apprenticeship

Future Prospects A good candidate can expect a permanent position available after qualification. We make our food from scratch using raw ingredients. This genuine production will give you a much more rounded skill base compared to working in a fine dining environment (where you would spend hours making only one aspect of the dish) or the chain restaurant environment (using pre-made ingredients). You will partake in the entire process of creating dishes and preparing them for service. Skills required

• A willingness to learn
• A desire to get things right
• An interest in Food and Drink
• Able to understand and follow instructions
• Able to keep calm when working under pressure
• Attention to detail and good presentation skills
• Hardworking and ‘can-do’ attitude

Qualifications required None Specific Personal qualities

• Calm
• Punctual
• Organisational skills
• Enthusiastic and have a keen interest in food and the hospitality industry
• Hygienic and Tidy Appearance

Things to consider As part of the role you will be on your feet all day and the job does involve lifting large pans, carrying sacks of veg etc. Ideally you need a cool temperament and an understanding of others.
We like most restaurants serve most of our customers in the evening and we then need to clean up before we go home. Finish times are variable and so you really need to think about how you are going to get home. Relying on family / others is likely to become a problem over time.
Time to complete the qualification varies, but should be average 18 months. Initially we offer £7 an hour – which is above the minimum apprentice wage, but as you start to contribute we review the rate quarterly to reflect this contribution.
This vacancy may close early if the right candidate is found and you may be asked to interview before the date provided Application instructions For further information on this vacancy and to apply please click ‘apply’. At this point you will enter the Inspiro Learning website where you can review the Job Vacancy in more detail and apply. Please complete the application form. Your details will be sent to the Employer. Any problems applying or enquiries please call Mike on 01704 502 240.