Apprentice Chef

About Us

Darlington Rugby Football Club is a vibrant multi-sport community venue based at Blackwell Meadows. The club hosts rugby, community sport, hospitality events, private functions and a wide range of social activities throughout the year.

We are also proud to be the home of Darlington Football Club, providing catering and hospitality for their match days and supporters.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality food and service for members, supporters and visitors.

Role Overview

As an Apprentice Chef, you will work as part of the hospitality kitchen team, preparing and producing food for match days, events and daily service while completing your chef apprenticeship.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who already has experience working with food or in a kitchen environment, or someone with a genuine passion for food and cooking who is looking to develop their skills and build a career as a chef.

You will gain hands-on experience in a busy professional kitchen, working across a wide range of catering styles including match day service, buffets, hospitality and large-scale events.

You will work alongside experienced members of the kitchen team, learning professional cooking techniques, food preparation, kitchen organisation and safe working practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the kitchen team with the preparation and cooking of food
• Prepare food for match days, events, hospitality packages and club menus
• Follow recipes and instructions to ensure consistency and quality
• Assist with food preparation for large-scale events and busy match days
• Learn and develop professional cooking and kitchen skills
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness
• Assist with stock rotation, ingredient preparation and portion control
• Keep kitchen areas clean, organised and ready for service
• Work as part of the wider hospitality team to deliver an excellent customer experience
• Learn how a busy professional kitchen operates
• Complete all coursework and practical training required as part of the apprenticeship

Hours & Working Days

This role is based on a zero-hour contract, with flexibility to work more hours during busy seasons, including match days and events, and reduced hours during quieter months.

Main working days:

• Monday & Friday – preparation days depending on fixtures and upcoming events
• Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – match day catering, events and club service
• Tuesday match days – catering support for Darlington Football Club
• Ad-hoc private functions as required

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous experience working with food or in a kitchen is desirable but not essential
• A genuine passion for food and cooking is essential
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Enthusiasm for building a career as a chef
• Willingness and eligibility to complete the chef apprenticeship
• Basic food hygiene knowledge is beneficial, but training will be provided
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, match days and events
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment
• Reliable, hardworking and willing to be part of a team
• Good attention to detail and a positive attitude

We are looking for someone with the right attitude and enthusiasm to learn. Whether you already have experience working with food or simply have a real passion for cooking and want to turn that passion into a career, we want to hear from you.

Reality Check

This is a busy, hands-on apprenticeship in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

You will need stamina, flexibility and commitment to work match days, events and occasional late finishes. The role can involve weekends, early mornings, longer days during busy periods and adapting to changing schedules.

You will be expected to work as part of a team, take responsibility for your tasks and be willing to learn and develop throughout the apprenticeship.

Future Prospects

Successful completion of the chef apprenticeship will provide you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to progress within a professional kitchen.

At Darlington Rugby Football Club, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent Chef role, supporting rugby and football hospitality, events and private functions.

The role will provide valuable experience in:

• Match day catering
• Event and hospitality cooking
• Food preparation and production
• Menu preparation
• Kitchen operations
• Stock control
• Working within a busy professional kitchen

Future career pathways could include Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef or other professional kitchen roles within the hospitality and catering industry.

Pay: £10.85-£12.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Are you over 18 due to licensing

Experience:

• Food handling: 1 year (preferred)
• Cooking: 1 year (preferred)
• Food hygiene: 1 year (preferred)
• Baking: 1 year (preferred)
• Chef: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person