Summary
An opportunity to complete an apprenticeship as an RAF Chef with an OFSTED outstanding training provider. You'll be working in kitchens across the UK and around the world that play a key part in the UK's defence, where you'll prepare attractive menus, learn how to manage your workstation, and work in a fast-paced kitchen.
Annual wage
£25,200 a year
Training course
Production chef (level 2)
Hours
Days and shifts to be confirmed on assignment to your first station after training.
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 1 September
Duration
2 years
Positions available
30
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
The RAF Chef training program will provide you with the required organisational, time management, communication and number skills you'll require to stay calm under pressure.
You can be employed in various environments; in military kitchens where you will work with the industrial partner to prepare hotel standard fare and provide gastronomy dining experiences for military personnel; in a field kitchen providing catering support for exercises and operations worldwide; or in an in-flight catering production kitchen producing meals for fast jet pilots, helicopter crews and large aircraft crew and passengers travelling to all corners of the globe.
With experience, you could volunteer to work in our VIP Team and cook for high-ranking officers, government ministers and even members of the Royal Family. If selected, you could compete in
culinary competitions and eventually gain an invitation to represent the Royal Air Force on the Combined Services Culinary Arts Team who compete internationally against the best industry chefs in the world.
Your day-to-day tasks will vary depending on your role, but they will include;
* Working with the strategies of our industrial partners to prepare attractive menus that meet set standards
* Following specifications to maintain quality and control, adhering to hygiene, health and safety regulations whilst instilling a knowledge of allergens, nutrition and diets so you can cater to the diverse Royal Air Force family
Where you’ll work
London
WC1N 1NP
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Your training course
Production chef (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* Check, prepare, assemble, cook, regenerate, hold and present food meeting the needs of the customers and maintaining organisational standards and procedures.
* Use kitchen tools and equipment correctly to produce consistently high quality dishes according to specifications.
* Take responsibility for the cleanliness, organisation and smooth running of the work area.
* Produce dishes to suit individuals’ specific dietary, religious and allergenic needs as required.
* Operate within all regulations, legislation and procedural requirements.
* Complete and maintain documentation to meet current legislative guidelines.
* Use effective methods of communication with all colleagues, managers and customers to promote a positive image of yourself and the organisation.
* Work in a fair and empathetic manner to support team members while offering a quality provision.
* Work to ensure customer expectations are met.
* Work collaboratively to uphold the vision, values and objectives of the organisation.
* Use technology appropriately.
* Maintain quality and consistency in food production by using resources in line with organisations’ financial constraints, style, specifications and ethos.
* Identify own learning style, personal development needs and opportunities and take action to meet those needs.
* Use feedback positively to improve performance.
Your training plan
* Production Chef Level 2
* Functional skills in maths and English (if required)
* On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle
* Your specialist training will begin at the Food Services Training Wing at Worthy Down. This 14-week course will train you to maintain excellent standards of personal, food and kitchen hygiene whilst using specialist kitchen equipment to produce a variety of dishes
* You will also undertake a 10-day Introduction to Deployed Operations with No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3 MCS) where you will be trained to set up field kitchens under canvas, this skill will enable you to provide catering support to deployed operations worldwide as well as supporting exercises both based in the UK and abroad
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
Other in:
* None (grade None)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Presentation skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
The role is varied and, after training, you could be stationed across the UK and beyond.