Join Our Team at Busy Bees!
Start Your Career with a Catering Apprenticeship! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey in the catering industry? If you’re eager to learn, grow, and develop your skills in a dynamic and supportive environment, our Catering Apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Whether you’re stepping into catering for the first time or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll receive support every step of the way in a busy, friendly nursery environment where your contributions truly matter.
Why Choose a Catering Apprenticeship with Busy Bees?
At Busy Bees, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering growth. As an apprentice, you will:
* Work alongside experienced catering professionals who will guide you in preparing nutritious, freshly made meals.
* Gain hands-on experience in food preparation, hygiene, stock rotation, and safe kitchen practices.
* Receive tailored mentoring and regular support from your Development Coach.
* Build essential skills and confidence while working in a real nursery kitchen.
* Train in a supportive environment within the UK’s leading nursery group, offering long-term career potential.
You’ll learn everything needed to thrive in a catering career while helping provide healthy, nutritious meals for children every day!
Why Busy Bees?
As the UK’s leading nursery group with nearly 400 nurseries nationwide, our mission is simple: to give every child the very best start in life. We pride ourselves on our positive workplace culture, ensuring every team member feels valued, supported, and heard. Here’s what you can expect:
* Our award-winning Bee Curious curriculum, designed to spark imagination, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
* A workplace culture where every team member feels valued and supported.
* Opportunities to get involved in our charity partnership with BBC Children in Need.
About Our Nursery Meopham
Rated Good by Ofsted, our purpose-built nursery has a capacity of 112 children, designed on a single level with direct access to spacious gardens. We maintain strong collaborations with local schools and agencies to enhance our children's development and community ties. Located just a short distance from Gravesend, we offer free parking for staff, all within a supportive environment fostered by our longstanding staff team.
Busy Bees Benefits
We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:
* Competitive salary
* Ongoing training and career progression
* Access to our Hive benefits and wellbeing platform with discounts across a huge range of retailers
* Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
* Your birthday off — our gift to you!
* 50% childcare discount
* Enhanced family leave and return-to-work bonus
* Menopause support through Peppy
* Financial guidance through Salary Finance
* Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Workplace pension with Cushon
* Option for discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Your Role Responsibilities
As a Catering Apprentice, you’ll:
* Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and follow food safety standards.
* Support the delivery of high-quality catering services, ensuring a positive experience for all children and staff.
* Build effective working relationships with team members and contribute to a positive, supportive kitchen environment.
* Help maintain cleanliness and organization across the kitchen and dining areas.
* Follow all food hygiene and safety protocols to safeguard children's and staff wellbeing.
* Work proactively toward completing your apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe.
* Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and continually improving your practice.
* Communicate regularly with your Line Manager about tasks, progress, and learning within the kitchen.
Required Qualifications
Essential Criteria:
* Be passionate about developing a career in catering.
* To meet funding eligibility, you must have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years.
* Provide evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).
Desirable (but not essential):
* Any previous experience in catering or food preparation.
* A Level 2 qualification in Food Hygiene.
Start your future in Catering with a team that believes in your potential. Apply now and begin your Busy Bees Catering Apprenticeship journey!