Introducing our NEW Chef Academy

Aspiring culinary professionals can experience ‘chef life’ from the very start with our NEW Chef Academy. Our Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship kicks off with high-impact block delivery sessions in a community kitchen, fast-tracking students into a fully immersive practical experience that recreates real-life scenarios and raises the bar when it comes to experiential learning. Employers alike benefit very early on from the huge amount of learning achieved in quick succession throughout our bootcamp.

How STS’ ‘Chef Academy’ Level 2 Production Chef training works

Beginning in January 2025, apprentices will delight in the immersive and experiential learning elements of our apprenticeship. Following our initial three-week Chef Academy programme, learning unfolds over the course of 12 months with a combination of in-work observations, shadowing, group sessions, practical tasks and e-learning modules, that are all seamlessly integrated into the curriculum.

STS’ apprenticeship highlights for employers

• Immediate upskilling: Apprentices can excel in their jobs from day one on-the-job.

• Industry expertise: Training is delivered by experts with a wealth of industry specific knowledge.

• Small groups: We limit places to ensure the highest quality of bespoke training and person-centric learning.

• Experiential training: Our immersive approach prepares apprentices for real-world challenges in the culinary industry.

• Funded places: Apprenticeship training is fully funded for those under 22 or can be fully funded for 22+ through levy transfer, which STS can arrange for your business.

• Bespoke apprenticeships: We incorporate company values, culture and vision into our apprenticeships ensuing business objectives are met.

Experiential and strength-based learning

STS is part of Inspiring Learning, a group of outdoor adventure and experiential learning centres located around the UK, with the Inspiring Learning North Devon, Abbotsham, centre as the main bootcamp and experiential learning base. Each centre comprises over 50 outdoor adventure activities from abseiling to surfing, all teaching essential soft skills from resilience and overcoming obstacles to confidence and self-belief. As part of the STS apprenticeship, students will take part in adventurous activities with learning outcomes tailored towards their individual needs and personal growth. This leg of the apprenticeship delivers some of the greatest personal growth with transferable skills highly sought after in busy kitchen environments.

STS Level 2 Production Chef occupation duties

Here are some examples of skills learnt during the Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship.

1. Kitchen operations: Check, prepare, assemble, cook, regenerate, hold and present food meeting the needs of the customers and maintaining organisational standards and procedures.

2. Nutrition: Produce dishes to suit individuals’ specific dietary, religious and allergenic needs as required.

3. Legal and governance: Operate within all regulations, legislation and procedural requirements.

4. People: Use effective methods of communication with all colleagues, managers and customers to promote a positive image of yourself and the organisation.

5. Business/commercial: Maintain quality and consistency in food production by using resources in line with organisations’ financial constraints, style, specifications and ethos.

6. Personal development and performance: Use feedback positively to improve performance

7. Behaviours: Lead by example working conscientiously and accurately at all times.

Download our Level 2 Production Chef programme for full occupational duties and module details.

Apprentice entry requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in hospitality as a career choice. Hold GCSE Grade 1 in English and Maths and achieve a minimum of Functional Skills L1 (GCSE grade 2/3 equivalent), studying towards or attempting FS L2 before completion of the apprenticeship. Full support from STS and their employer will be provided. To qualify, applicants must have a suitable employer or to be actively looking for an employer.

Limited places are available. Contact us to enrol.