Catering Apprentice Level 2

Role Overview:

• Work alongside experienced and encouraging catering professionals who will guide you in preparing nutritious, freshly made meals
• Gain hands‑on experience in food preparation, hygiene, stock rotation, and safe kitchen practice
• Receive tailored mentoring and regular support from your Development Coach.
• Build essential skills and confidence while working in a real nursery kitchen
• Train in a supportive, nurturing environment within the UK’s leading nursery group, offering long‑term career potential

• Our award‑winning Bee Curious curriculum - designed to spark imagination, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
• A workplace culture where every team member feels valued and supported
• Opportunities to get involved in our charity partnership with BBC Children in Need

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and career progression
• Access to our Hive benefits and wellbeing platform - with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off — our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return‑to‑work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial guidance through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Workplace pension with Cushon
• Option for discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Your responsibilities and expectations

As a Catering Apprentice, you’ll:

• Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and follow food safety standards.
• Support the delivery of high-quality catering services, ensuring a positive experience for all children and staff.
• Build effective working relationships with team members and contribute to a positive, supportive kitchen environment.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organisation across the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow all food hygiene and safety protocols to safeguard children's and staff wellbeing.
• Work proactively toward completing your apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe
• Be proactive and eager to learn new skills within a busy kitchen setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and continually improving your practice.
• Communicate regularly with your Line Manager about tasks, progress, and learning within the kitchen.

Essential Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be passionate about developing a career in catering
• To meet funding eligibility, you must have been a resident in the UK for at least the 3 consecutive years
• Be able to provide evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills)

Desirable (but not essential)

• Any previous experience in catering or food preparation
• A Level 2 qualification in Food Hygiene

Start your future in Catering with a team that believes in your potential. Apply now and begin your Busy Bees Catering Apprenticeship journey!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.