Apprentice Commis Chef - Royal Ocean Racing Club

Job Posted: 16 June 2025

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Part time
• Salary: £10.00 per hour
• Industries: Apprenticeships Catering, Hospitality & Bar Chefs

Background

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in Cowes has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment and completed a vibrant summer season. We are now seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Chef to join our welcoming and talented kitchen team.

Situated in a prime waterfront location, the Club features fourteen guest rooms and offers breath-taking views across the Solent. The newly refurbished restaurant serves an exciting variety of seasonal dishes to members and guests throughout the year, showcasing the Isle of Wight's exceptional local produce—from fresh seafood and island-reared meats to garden-grown vegetables.

The Clubhouse operates daily for breakfast, offers lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, and dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Our culinary offering ranges from classic Sunday Roasts and a rotating Prix Fixe menu to an ever-popular Bar Menu.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about developing a career in professional cookery, with a love for fresh ingredients, and a desire to learn in a fast-paced, high-quality kitchen environment.

About the Role

As an Apprentice Chef, you will be part of a supportive and professional kitchen team, working closely under the guidance of two experienced full-time chefs. You’ll also work alongside kitchen assistants and be part of a close-knit hospitality team delivering memorable experiences to members and guests.

This apprenticeship role will involve learning and contributing to all areas of kitchen operations, while developing core culinary skills and understanding of professional kitchen practices.  You will be working 30 hours per week, usually over 5 days with some split shifts.  Additional hours may be available in the peak summer season.

The successful applicant will be undertaking the Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship with HTP Apprenticeship College.  Please use the following link to find out more about the apprenticeship qualification:  https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0228-v1-4

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in the Preparation and Service of Food

• Support the team in preparing ingredients and dishes to high standards
• Learn to follow recipes and presentation guidelines
• Ensure meals are produced on time and meet quality expectations
• Participate in food service during member dining and special events

2. Learn Stock and Waste Management Practices

• Understand stock control processes including rotation and storage
• Assist with stock checks and learn ordering procedures
• Support efforts to reduce waste through careful preparation and portioning

3. Maintain Health, Safety, and Hygiene Standards

• Comply with food safety regulations and HACCP requirements
• Keep work areas clean, organised, and hygienic at all times
• Assist in cleaning duties at the end of each shift
• Attend and complete any training as required

What We’re Looking For

• A strong interest in food, cooking, and hospitality
• A positive, willing-to-learn attitude and strong work ethic
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Punctual, reliable, and professional in appearance
• Holds or is working towards a Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evenings
• Commitment to completing an accredited apprenticeship programme

Why Join the RORC Team?

• Work in a newly refurbished and high-quality kitchen environment
• Learn from a supportive and skilled culinary team
• Gain experience across a wide range of dishes, service styles, and events
• Be part of a prestigious club with a unique coastal setting
• Develop your career in hospitality with opportunities for progression

If you’re passionate about food and keen to begin your culinary journey in a dynamic and professional environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Candidates will have ideally achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grades A-C (9-4) or Functional Skills Level 2 in both Maths and English, or may have to work towards this in order to complete the apprenticeship. 

This advert may be removed early if we receive a vast number of applicants.