Commis Chef Apprentice

Join the kitchen team at The Victoria Inn and earn while you learn as a Level 2 Commis Chef Apprentice. Working alongside chefs that have completed apprentices, you'll develop practical cooking, food preparation and kitchen operations skills, with one day a week at Truro College to support your training and future career progression.

What you will do

What will the apprentice do at work?

As a Commis Chef Apprentice at The Victoria Inn, you will work alongside experienced chefs to develop your cooking skills while supporting the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen. You will:

• Prepare, cook and present food to a high standard
• Learn a range of kitchen skills, including food preparation, knife skills and cooking techniques
• Help serve food from the carvery, pub food and takeaway operation
• Follow food safety, hygiene and HACCP procedures at all times
• Complete kitchen preparation tasks and keep work areas clean, organised and safe
• Assist with stock rotation, deliveries, food storage and waste reduction
• Learn about allergens, portion control, food costing and kitchen operations
• Work as part of a friendly team to deliver excellent food and customer experiences
• Attend one day a week at Truro College and complete all apprenticeship learning, reviews and assessments

his role offers the opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining a nationally recognised Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship and valuable experience in a professional kitchen.

Training

The apprentice will work towards a Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship Standard delivered in partnership with Truro College. They will spend four days a week gaining practical experience in the kitchen at The Victoria Inn and one day a week attending college-based training.

Food preparation, cooking techniques and presentation skills.

Food safety, hygiene and HACCP procedures.

Kitchen operations, stock control and waste reduction.

Allergen awareness, portion control and nutrition principles.

Working effectively as part of a professional kitchen team.

The apprentice will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring from experienced chefs, complete off-the-job learning, and attend regular progress reviews throughout the programme. Upon successful completion, they will achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship Standard.

In addition to formal apprenticeship training, the apprentice will benefit from a range of off-the-job development opportunities designed to broaden their understanding of the hospitality industry. These may include:

• Visits to local food and drink suppliers to learn about sourcing, quality standards and sustainability.
• Experience days with specialist suppliers, such as local butchers, to gain insight into product knowledge and preparation.
• Shadowing and work with colleagues in different areas of the business, including front of house, bar and management operations.
• Exposure to stock management, purchasing, menu planning and customer service activities.
• Visits to other hospitality venues and industry events where appropriate.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced chefs and managers throughout the apprenticeship.

These experiences help apprentices develop a wider understanding of hospitality operations and the career opportunities available within the industry.

After the apprenticeship

Successful apprentices can progress into more senior kitchen roles, including Chef de Partie, Sous Chef and ultimately Head Chef. Following completion of the Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship, there may also be opportunities to continue onto a Level 3 Chef de Partie Apprenticeship.

At Inn Cornwall, we are passionate about developing talent from within. Several apprentices who started in junior kitchen roles have progressed through the company and now hold Head Chef positions, demonstrating the genuine career opportunities available to motivated individuals.

For context, recent salary data indicates that Head Chefs in Cornwall earn an average salary of approximately £35,700 per year, with experienced Head Chefs in some venues earning £40,000 to £50,000+ depending on the size and style of operation.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Team working
• Physical fitness

Things to consider

• A genuine passion for food, cooking and hospitality.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment and remain calm under pressure.
• Reliable, punctual and committed to completing all aspects of the apprenticeship.

Benefits

• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme (for qualifying team members)
• Tips and gratuities
• Company pension

About the employer

At Inn Cornwall Ltd, we are passionate about creating great hospitality experiences while building rewarding careers for our people. We operate thriving pubs with strong year-round trade, providing stability, variety and excellent opportunities for career development.

We believe in promoting from within and have a proven track record of developing team members from entry-level positions into senior management and Head Chef roles. Our culture is built around coaching, mentoring and helping individuals reach their full potential.

Sustainability is an important part of how we operate. We are committed to reducing food waste, recycling responsibly, sourcing quality products and encouraging efficient use of resources throughout our business.

Our teams work in a supportive, inclusive environment where hard work, positive attitudes and a willingness to learn are recognised and rewarded. We are proud to invest in apprentices, providing the training, experiences and opportunities needed to build successful long-term careers in hospitality.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Commis chef (level 2), Catering and hospitality
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: TRURO AND PENWITH COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year 2 Months
• Hours: 38 hours a week. Working week: Shifts are worked on a rota basis and include evenings, weekends between 9.00am - 9.00pm. One day per week will be spent at Truro College, with the remaining time based at The Victoria Inn. Exact days and shift times will be confirmed.
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £15,808 to £25,114.96 a year
• Other locations: Truro, TR3 7NU