This is a fantastic opportunity to work at Squisito, a cozy Italian restaurant tucked inside The Old Needlemakers in Lewes as an Apprentice Production Chef. Known for its handmade pasta, warm hospitality, and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the successful applicant will earn while they learn working towards a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship.
What you will learn:
- How to work within a small, passionate team in a fast paced but intimate setting, assisting chefs with food preparation, ensuring the consistency and quality of every dish, and helping deliver a smooth, memorable service for guests.
- With an emphasis on fresh produce, creativity, and attention to detail, this role provides hands on development and exposure to refined Italian cooking techniques within a friendly neighbourhood restaurant.
Key Responsibilities
- Support preparation of Italian dishes including handmade pasta, risottos, small plates, and seasonal specials.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, consistency, and food quality across all services.
- Assist during breakfast, lunch, and dinner services in a fast paced but intimate kitchen environment.
- Follow strict hygiene, safety, and cleanliness guidelines within the kitchen.
- Collaborate with chefs trained in Michelin level kitchens to deliver refined Italian dishes.
- Support smooth service and contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere guests expect
Whether helping with pasta production, supporting service during busy evenings, or maintaining the warm atmosphere guests love, the successful applicant will have a passion for Italian cuisine and play an essential part in upholding Squisito’s reputation as one of Lewes’ cosiest and most vibrant dining destinations
Who you will be:
- Someone who can work efficiently in a small, high quality kitchen team.
- Someone with a strong commitment to consistency.
- Someone with a positive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced chefs.
- Someone who can work flexibly encompassing varied service times, including evenings and weekends.
- Someone who understands the etiquette demanded in high end hospitality.
Key Skills:
- Good communication
- Team player
- Attention to detail
- Reliable
- Punctual
- Friendly
- Takes Direction
- Hardworking
- Willing to learn
- Conscientious
- Flexible
- Focussed
- Polite
- Professional
Working Week: 30 hours minimum per week on a Rota to be confirmed to include one day study at Brighton Met College.
Salary: £12,480 per annum in line with the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. For more information, please see below.
Qualifications Required: GCSE Math and English minimum grade 2 will be required to be eligible to apply for this apprenticeship. In the event you do not have your GCSE you may be able to study for these subjects in functional skills alongside the apprenticeship.
Future Prospects: There is potential for progression onto more advanced chef positions on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
About the Employer: In the heart of bustling Lewes lies a hidden gem known to locals as Squisito — not just a restaurant, but a haven for those who cherish the simple joys of eating, relaxing, and drinking.Our story began with a love for authentic homemade pasta and a passion for warm, thoughtful hospitality. With aromas of fresh sauces and baked bread greeting guests at the door, Squisito offers simple, seasonal dishes crafted from quality Sussex produce—perfect for anything from a quick lunch to a special evening meal.
At Squisito, we believe the best experiences are the ones shared. So, join us — and let’s create some delicious memories together. For more information please visit: https://www.squisito.co.uk/
What you need to know:
- Attendance at Brighton Met College will be required so ability to travel will be essential.
- This Level 2 qualification is a 15-month apprenticeship including the 3 months end point assessment.
- You will need to commit to the learning and stay at the employers until the apprenticeship is successfully completed
- To apply you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years before the start date of the apprenticeship learning and have authorisation to work in the UK.
- You cannot apply if you already have a qualification equal to or higher than the apprenticeship standard being studied.
- You can apply if you have a higher qualification than the apprenticeship standard in an unrelated subject.
- You should live in the area local to the employer and the college campus offering the apprenticeship.
- Shifts could be early start or late finish so please ensure you have transport arrangements in place.
Further Information: Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (ANMW): The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £8.00 per hour (As of the 1st April 2025). This is the legal minimum pay per hour applying to 16- to 18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For apprentices 19 or over who have completed their first year and are continuing their apprenticeship, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their ages applies.
Pay: £12,480.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Lewes BN7 2NZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Why are you interested in becoming an apprentice chef?
- What do you think you could bring to the role?
- Do you have the required grades in GCSE Math and English?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Location:
- Lewes BN7 2NZ (preferred)
Work Location: In person
