Apprentice Chef
Full Time
St Edmund Hall is seeking an Apprentice Chef to join our friendly and professional kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a range of kitchen sections, assist with high-quality meal preparation for students, Fellows, staff, and guests, and gain valuable experience in catering for events from formal dinners to conferences and weddings.
This is initially a 12-month fixed-term appointment. During this time, the successful candidate will work towards a Commis Chef Level 2 Hospitality & Catering Apprenticeship with a recognised training provider, while receiving on-the-job training and mentoring. Subject to successful completion of the apprenticeship and satisfactory performance, there will be the opportunity to progress into a permanent full-time Commis Chef or Demi Chef role within the College.
You will have a passion for food and cooking, a willingness to learn and the ability to work as part of a very cohesive team.
In return, we offer good development opportunities to broaden your skills plus a comprehensive benefits package as follows:
- A free meal whilst on duty.
- Excellent annual leave entitlement (up to 38 days per year).
- Subsidised bus pass loans, season ticket loans and cycle scheme loans.
- Access to the College’s employee assistance programme (a 24-hour telephone and online advisory and counselling service).
- Discount in University shops, free entry to other colleges and libraries, discounted computer software from the University Computing Service, free access to the Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum and discounted membership of the University’s gym and pool.
- Free annual flu vaccination.
The post is eligible for membership of the Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS) which provides income when you retire plus sickness and life assurance benefits. Further details can be found at https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/pensions.
We are a very sociable team and arrange various staff events throughout the year including quizzes, a summer BBQ, a Christmas event and more. A uniform will be provided.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- A completed APPLICATION FORM, to include the contact details of two referees. References will only be sought for the successful candidate.
Applications should preferably be submitted by email to recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk. Alternatively, postal applications may be sent to: HR Department, St Edmund Hall, Queen’s Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AR
There is no closing date for this vacancy. Applications will be considered as they are received, and interested candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit St Edmund Hall before applying. A visit is an excellent opportunity to tour our kitchens, meet members of the catering team, and have an informal chat about the role, the apprenticeship and what it is like to work at the College. To arrange a visit, please email recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk, and we will be pleased to organise a convenient time.
The successful candidate will be expected to commence employment as soon as reasonably practicable.
Equality of Opportunity
The Equal Opportunities policy of the College requires that all staff are offered equal opportunities within employment. Entry into employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the post. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Applications are particularly welcome from women and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in Chef posts in Oxford.
Recruitment Monitoring
Please consider completing the online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form. Submission of this form is voluntary and does not form part of the selection process, but we would be grateful if you are willing to return it with your application to assist us with our equal opportunity monitoring. A paper copy can be obtained here or by emailing human.resources@seh.ox.ac.uk.
Key Information
- Posted:13 Jul 2026