Commis Chef Apprentice

Sala Thai Kitchen is an award-winning Thai restaurant and cooking school in the heart of St Albans, led by experienced cookery teacher Thippawan Rashleigh. We're looking for a passionate Commis Chef Apprentice to begin their culinary career with us, learning the art of authentic Thai cuisine within a friendly and supportive kitchen team.

What you'll do

This apprenticeship follows the nationally recognised ST0228 Commis Chef standard, giving you a genuine Level 2 qualification while you earn and work alongside experienced chefs, learning fundamental cooking techniques, food preparation skills, and kitchen operations within a professional restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing ingredients for service, including authentic Thai pastes, herbs, and specialist ingredients
• Assisting with cooking and food preparation across every section of the kitchen
• Learning a variety of Thai and general cooking techniques and methods from an experienced cookery teacher
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety at all times
• Receiving and storing deliveries appropriately
• Keeping kitchen equipment and workstations clean and organised
• Supporting menu preparation and presentation
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and customers as part of a positive, friendly team

Training

• Training will be conducted through day release at Oaklands College St Albans Campus as well as extensive on the job training

After the apprenticeship

• A genuine route into a career as a chef, with real progression opportunities as Sala Thai grows

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade Level 2-9)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade Level 2-9)

About the employer

Sala Thai Kitchen is an award-winning Thai restaurant and cooking school in the heart of St Albans, led by experienced cookery teacher Thippawan Rashleigh.

Thippi grew up in a small village northeastern of Thailand, Chaiyaphum with food as her love language. Now based in St Albans, she brings the soul of her hometown to every dish — using Thai herbs and spices, seasonal produce, and locally sourced ingredients to create flavours that are both deeply authentic and beautifully of-the-moment. Thippi is passionate about sustainability: cook what you have at home, in the right portions, and create no waste.

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Her three passions — people, food, and yoga — shape everything she does. Whether she's cooking for first-time visitors or old friends, running a class, or writing her debut cookbook, Thippi's mission is always the same: connection through food.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Commis chef (level 2), Catering and hospitality
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 35 hours a week. Working week: 35 hours per week- shift work including evenings and weekends; exact shifts to be confirmed.
• Start date: 26 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £14,560 a year