Course Summary:
Production Chefs work under the guidance of a Senior Production Chef or designated line manager. They follow centrally developed, standardised recipes and menus, often preparing dishes in high volumes. The role requires excellent organisational ability, precision, efficiency, strong attention to detail, and a proactive commitment to sustainability and environmental best practice.
Production Chefs are responsible for:
- Maintaining exceptional standards of personal, food, and kitchen hygiene
- Ensuring all dishes comply with procedures, recipe specifications, and menu requirements
- Producing food that meets portion control guidelines and adheres to budgetary expectations
- Adapting and preparing dishes to meet a range of dietary, religious, and allergen‑related needs
- Following, completing, and maintaining production schedules, as well as legislative and quality documentation
- Using specialist kitchen equipment safely and effectively
- Communicating clearly and professionally with colleagues, customers, and other internal and external stakeholders
- Engaging in ongoing personal and professional development
Approx. duration: 12 months
Start Date: September
Attendance: One day a week at the Ipswich Campus
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs grades 9-1/A-G including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 1
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated ESFA Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On-programme learning:
- Production Chef Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
Progression:
On completion of this apprenticeship a Production Chef can progress onto various roles within the industry which include a Senior Production Chef, Chef de Partie, Pastry Chef or Commis Chef.