Level 2 Production Chef Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced kitchen known for authentic smoked BBQ and Caribbean flavours. You’ll work alongside experienced chefs, learning everything from prepping ingredients and cooking meats low and slow, to plating dishes and maintaining kitchen hygiene.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in classic cooking techniques, food safety, and menu development while contributing to our vibrant, customer-focused environment.

If you love food, are eager to learn, and want to kickstart a career in the culinary industry, we want to hear from you!

General duties will include 

• Preparing, cooking and presenting dishes

• Ensuring you and your team have high standards of food hygiene and follow the rules of health and safety

• Monitoring portion and waste control to maintain profit margins

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 

Training Outcome:

Completing your Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship at Street Kings Smoke Shack opens the door to a rewarding career in the culinary industry. With hands-on training and experience in a fast-paced, professional kitchen, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to progress in your role.

Following your apprenticeship, there is potential to grow within the business, taking on more responsibility and moving into roles such as Chef de Partie, where you’d lead a specific section of the kitchen. With time, dedication, and continued learning, you could progress further to become a Sous Chef and eventually a Head Chef.

You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as BBQ and smoked meats, gaining a niche skillset that’s highly valued in the hospitality industry. Many chefs go on to work in top restaurants, run their own food businesses, or explore roles in catering and events.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation, giving you both the practical skills and industry knowledge to build a long-term career in food.

Employer Description:
Street Kings Smoke Shack, located at 49 Oxford Street in Whitstable, Kent, is a family-run restaurant specialising in authentic American barbecue. They pride themselves on using carefully sourced meats, such as succulent Angus brisket and premium pork, which are slow-cooked over a blend of aromatic woods like hickory and oak to achieve rich, smoky flavours. The cosy 16-seat eatery offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere complemented by rhythm and blues music. Signature dishes include “The King,” a platter designed for two that features a variety of barbecue offerings; for every “King” platter served, the restaurant donates a meal to a homeless person. In addition to their barbecue menu, they offer Caribbean classics on Sundays, such as chicken and pork, beef stew, and curry chicken with rice and peas. Committed to inclusivity, they provide gluten-free options and strive to connect people through great food infused with love and passion.

Working Hours :
You’ll be required to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as part of a typical hospitality rota. Shift patterns included evenings and weekend over 5 days per week.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Passion for Food