Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef - Ipswich, Suffolk

Lexington is an award-winning contract caterer that focus on providing great food and service to customers. To do this we need fabulous people and we work hard to create an environment where our team members feel engaged, inspired, valued and enjoy what they do.

Kickstart Your Chef Career with one of the UK’s leading Contract Caterers – Elior!

Do you have a passion for food and want to turn it into a career?

Join us as an Apprentice Level 2 Production Chef and earn while you learn in a supportive, professional kitchen environment. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience, expert on-the-job training, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification – and the best part is… it won’t cost you a penny!

At Lexington, we believe in rewarding talent, which is why we pay higher than the apprenticeship rate! You’ll work alongside an experienced kitchen team, learning everything from food preparation and presentation to stock control, food safety, hygiene, and delivering excellent customer service.

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking, and ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in catering. Previous kitchen experience is desirable but not essential – if you’ve got the right attitude and a willingness to learn, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing…

As an Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef you will:

Assist with daily kitchen tasks including food prep, service, and cleaning
Support the manager in maintaining, ordering and controlling food stocks within budget
Work as part of a supportive, experienced kitchen team
Learn how to maintain up to date product and menu knowledge, and a high standard of food preparation and presentation
Develop practical, professional chef skills that will prepare you for a career in catering
Learn the importance of food safety, hygiene standards, and kitchen operations to ensure the health and safety of all kitchen and customers

What can you bring?

Possess a passion for food and a willingness to learn
Focused on the front line
Genuine interest in customer service excellence
A great team player
Previous experience of working in a kitchen would be highly desirable but not essential

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!

One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!

We Celebrate You!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!

Lexington Catering

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Apprentice - Level 2 Production Chef - Ipswich, Suffolk