Catering Assistant Apprenticeship

The Mocha Diner is seeking a Catering Assistant keen on preparing traditional homemade meals cooked to order and providing warm customer service. This role requires work on weekends and bank holidays (by rota). Previous experience as a cook is desirable but not essential - training will be provided so willingness to learn is critical.

What you'll do

Duties include:


• Prepare and cook high-quality meals, coffee/tea/specialty drinks following standard processes and recipes
• Greet customers, take orders at the counter, process payments, ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including restocking and cleaning
• Ensure food safety standards are met at all times, maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen at all times
• Collaborate with manager and team to deliver excellent customer service

Training

• All of your training will be completed within the workplace, You will be working towards the Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship
• You will have the opportunity to work towards your Functional Skills in maths and English if you do not have the GCSEs or equivalent

After the apprenticeship

• Potential to progress to Level 3 training and eventually hospitality management training

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, Maths and English (grade Grade 4)

Things to consider

Work in a kitchen can be busy and noisy with multiple competing demands. You must be able to stay calm under pressure and take the initiative to figure out what needs to be done without being given constant instruction.

Teamwork is critical to deliver quality food and excellent customer service. You must pull your weight as part of the team and also be flexible to fulfil different roles depending on what is needed at any given time.

About the employer

The Mocha Diner is Saffron Walden's original independent diner since 1970 serving traditional Great British food and drink. Many generations of Saffron Walden locals have grown up with the Mocha - Customers who frequented the diner in the 70s and 80s now bring their children and grandchildren.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Production chef (level 2), Catering and hospitality
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: PERFORMANCE LEARNING GROUP LTD
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 30 hours a week. Working week: 5 days per week, typical shift is 10.00am - 4.30pm, occasional early start at 7.30am. 4 weekday shifts plus 1 shift on weekends (by rota). Expect to work on bank holidays.
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £12,480 to £19,827.60 a year