METHOD at Skykes House Farm – Apprentice In-House Chef – LS23 7DR

Overview

This Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional development kitchen while working with high-quality, seasonal Yorkshire produce. The role involves supporting daily kitchen operations, preparing ingredients for dining events, guest chef takeovers, training days and culinary masterclasses, while learning about sustainable farm-to-fork cooking and premium meat preparation.

The apprentice will gain experience preparing and cooking a wide range of ingredients and dishes, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, sauces, pasta, pastry, desserts and alternative dishes such as plant-based and gluten-free options. They will also learn about kitchen organisation, food hygiene, allergen management, stock control, portioning, presentation and the safe use of kitchen equipment. The role also provides the opportunity to work alongside experienced chefs and support the development and testing of new recipes, retail products and menus.

The role would suit someone who has a genuine passion for food and cooking, is eager to learn, reliable, communicates well and can work effectively as part of a team. Flexibility is important as the role includes some evening and weekend work for events and supper clubs. Alongside workplace experience, the apprentice will complete a Level 2 Commis Chef qualification through Leeds City College, attending college one day per week. There is a strong possibility of a full-time permanent position after successful completion.

About the Employer

Method at Sykes House Farm is a state-of-the-art
development kitchen. Backed by three generations
of Yorkshire farming and premium catering butchery,
Method is where food innovation happens.
Under the guidance of our Development Chef, Greg,
we host exclusive tasting menus with top-tier guest
chefs, run hands-on culinary & butchery masterclasses,
and design bespoke products for our trade customers.

Training to be Delivered

The apprentice will work towards a Level 2 Commis Chef qualification with Luminate Education Group, with training taking place at Leeds City College’s Print Works Campus one day per week on Wednesdays.

During the qualification, the apprentice will develop practical skills in preparing, cooking and presenting a wide range of dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Training will cover areas such as knife skills, weighing and measuring ingredients, preparing meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, making sauces, soups, pasta, pastry and desserts, as well as using different cooking methods including grilling, roasting, baking, frying, braising and sautéing.

The apprentice will also learn how to prepare ingredients efficiently, reduce food waste, control portions, maintain food quality and safely use kitchen equipment. Important workplace knowledge will include food safety, allergen procedures, hygiene, stock control, food storage and temperature monitoring, as well as health and safety requirements.

Alongside technical cooking skills, the qualification will develop communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving skills. The apprentice will learn to respond to feedback, maintain professional standards and contribute effectively to a busy kitchen environment.