Commis Chef Apprenticeship

Immerse yourself in practical, hands-on award-winning masterclasses and workshops led by passionate craft trainers. From sustainable practices to efficient kitchen operations and menu planning, this programme equips you with everything you need to harness your talent and make your mark as a food production chef in the culinary world.

Underpinned by a series of kitchen workshops, chefs will learn and understand how to carry out basic functions in every section of the kitchen. This allows future talent to experience, consider and value each section with a view to choosing an area where they feel most inspired. For those looking to progress further, exploring a chef de partie apprenticeship can provide the next step in specialising and advancing in a professional kitchen.

The learning journey will vary considerably from one individual to the next, however, it is the range of experiences in the basics gained in this role that provide the opportunities to progress to any future senior chef role.

Employers will set their own entry requirements in order to start this apprenticeship.

The minimum duration is 8 months, our recommended duration for this programme is 12 months.

Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to be into a Chef de Partie role or Senior Production Chef role.

The amount your organisation contributes will depend on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy and the age of your apprentice.

For new starts from 1 August 2026, eligible apprentices aged 16–24 can have their training and assessment fully funded up to the apprenticeship funding band maximum.

Non-levy employers normally contribute 5% of eligible training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 25 and over, with government funding the remaining 95%.

Levy-paying employers use the funds available in their apprenticeship service account. If those funds are exhausted, training for eligible apprentices aged 16–24 is fully government funded; for apprentices aged 25 and over, the employer contributes 25% and government contributes 75%.

Funding rules and eligibility vary, so we will confirm the funding available before an apprentice starts.

Level 2

If an apprentice is aged 16-18 and has not previously achieved the required level of English and maths, they will need to complete Functional Skills as part of their apprenticeship programme.

While Functional Skills are no longer mandatory for adult apprentices (19+), literacy and numeracy skills remain essential for success.

For those without prior English and Maths qualifications, we recommend level 1 maths and entry level 3 English to support career growth and workplace efficiency.

Our tailored support ensures these skills are seamlessly integrated into the apprenticeship journey, helping every apprentice develop these vital skills.

The Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) for the Commis Chef Apprenticeship includes:

• Multiple choice test
• Practical Assessment with Questions
• Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence.