As an Apprentice Cook at The Birdcage Café in Chesterfield, you will assist in the preparation and cooking of a variety of freshly made dishes, including breakfasts, lunches, and baked goods. You’ll work closely with experienced chefs, learning essential kitchen skills such as food preparation, portion control, hygiene, and stock rotation.
Your day-to-day duties will include assisting with menu preparation, maintaining cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, ensuring food is served to a high standard, and supporting the team during busy service periods.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about food and eager to start a career in the hospitality industry. You’ll play an important part in delivering great customer experiences while gaining hands-on experience and training towards a recognised catering qualification.
Open from early morning through the afternoon, The Birdcage Café is a local favourite for everything from a quiet coffee catch-up to a weekend brunch with friends. We’re also a licensed venue, offering a range of beers, wines, and other refreshments to complement our menu.
Our team is warm, down-to-earth, and community-minded — we take pride in delivering excellent customer service and a genuine café experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we aim to make every guest feel like part of the Birdcage family.
What your apprenticeship includes:
- A mixture of face to face and skype/phone catch ups every 4 - 6 weeks
- A mixture of on and off the job training, including workshops and webinars
- Reviews every 12 weeks with the Apprentice, Line Manager and Lifetime Trainer
- Feedback sessions to discuss progress
- Obtain Functional Skills in English and Maths (if you don’t already have GCSE or equivalents)
- 30 hours paid work every week
National Apprentice Wage (with potential increase based on performance and progression) £7.55
At The Birdcage Cafe you will be working towards a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship standard over the course of 15 months.
Desired Skills
- Good communication and teamwork skills - Ability to follow instructions and work under pressure during busy periods -Interest in cooking and willingness to learn new techniques -Good time management and organisation
Personal qualities
- Enthusiastic and reliable
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Keen to learn and develop new skills
- Friendly, polite, and professional
- Able to work well as part of a small, close-knit team
Qualifications required
- No formal qualifications required; however, GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths are desirable.
- A genuine passion for food and cooking is essential.
Future prospects
Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a full-time Commis Chef position, with opportunities to progress to Chef de Partie or Kitchen Supervisor roles within the café or wider hospitality industry.
Training to be delivered
Production Chef Apprenticeship L2 including Functional Skills in Maths and English
Employer
Birdcage Cafe - Chesterfield
Address
Derby Road
Derbyshire
Chesterfield
S40 2EF
The map below displays the employer’s location, please check travel times before applying.