Production chef
Level 2 · IntermediateCatering and hospitality 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship trains you to prepare and cook food at volume to consistent standards in settings such as schools, hospitals, care homes, pubs, and contract catering. You will follow standardised recipes and production methods, working as part of a busy kitchen team. It can lead to senior production chef, team leader, or progression to higher-level culinary apprenticeships.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Core cookery methods for high-volume production including batch cooking
Food safety, hygiene, and allergen management in a professional kitchen
Following standardised recipes and brand specifications consistently
Maintaining a clean, organised kitchen section and work area
Portion control, yield, and minimising food waste
Working efficiently as part of a high-volume kitchen team
Receiving, storing, and stock-rotating food supplies correctly
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare mise en place including chopping, portioning, and batch prep
Cook dishes to standardised recipes and consistent specifications
Produce food at volume to meet service times and demand
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in your designated kitchen section
Carry out portion control and record food waste
Label, date, and store food correctly to prevent contamination
Receive food deliveries and carry out temperature and quality checks
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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