Senior production chef
Level 3 · AdvancedCatering and hospitality 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship develops chefs who can plan, prepare, and deliver complex menus in professional kitchen environments, taking on supervisory responsibility. Apprentices work across all sections of a kitchen, producing high-quality dishes while leading junior team members. It can lead to roles such as Sous Chef, Head Chef, or kitchen management positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced cooking techniques across a range of cuisines
Menu planning, costing, and nutritional awareness
Food hygiene, allergen, and safety legislation
Kitchen supervision and team leadership skills
Stock control and food waste reduction methods
Recipe development and consistent dish presentation
Managing kitchen operations during busy service periods
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare and cook dishes to a consistent high standard
Supervise and support junior kitchen staff during service
Check ingredient quality and manage stock rotation
Follow and enforce food safety and allergen procedures
Contribute to menu development and seasonal specials
Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen
Assist the head chef with ordering and supplier liaison
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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