At the Priory Hotel, you’re more than just a team member, you are part of an Employee-Owned Hotel where your skills and dedication make a real difference.
Nestled in the charming village of Beauly, just 12 miles northwest of Inverness, our hotel features 37 bedrooms, a popular restaurant, a welcoming coffee lounge, and a lively bar serving both our hotel guests and the local community.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Trainee Chef to join our busy kitchen team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is serious about becoming a chef and wants to develop a career in professional cookery. You do not need previous professional kitchen experience. What matters most to us is that you have a genuine passion for cooking, a willingness to learn and a real interest in making cheffing your profession.
As part of the role, you will work towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5, gaining practical experience in our kitchen alongside formal training and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Kitchen Training – Learn the skills and techniques required to work successfully in a professional kitchen.
- Food Preparation – Assist with daily preparation and learn how to prepare ingredients correctly and efficiently.
- Breakfast & Lunch Service – Support the kitchen team during breakfast and lunch service, developing your confidence and practical skills.
- Evening Service – Work alongside experienced chefs during evening service and learn how a busy restaurant kitchen operates.
- Cooking Skills – Develop your knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, presentation and portion control.
- Baking & Pastry – Gain experience in baking, desserts and pastry preparation where required.
- Kitchen Organisation – Learn how to keep kitchen sections clean, tidy, organised and properly stocked.
- Food Safety & Hygiene – Develop a strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe working practices.
- Allergens – Learn and follow correct procedures for handling allergens and dietary requirements.
- Teamwork & Communication – Work closely with the kitchen team, taking direction from senior chefs and supporting colleagues during busy services.
- Learning & Development – Take an active role in your Modern Apprenticeship and apply the skills you learn in the workplace.
- Adaptability – Gain experience across different areas of the kitchen as your skills and confidence develop.
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine passion for cooking and professional cheffing.
- A strong desire to develop a career in the hospitality industry.
- Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills.
- No previous professional kitchen experience is required, although any cooking, hospitality or kitchen experience would be beneficial.
- A positive attitude and willingness to take direction from experienced chefs.
- Reliable, hardworking and committed to developing as a chef.
- Able to work as part of a team and contribute positively to the kitchen environment.
- Organised and willing to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Interested in learning about ingredients, cooking techniques and professional kitchen standards.
- Committed to completing the Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery.
The Apprenticeship
You will work towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery at SCQF Level 5, combining practical experience at the Priory Hotel with formal learning and assessment through the UHI.
Modern Apprenticeship funding is subject to eligibility criteria. The availability of funded apprenticeship places can vary depending on individual eligibility and current funding arrangements. We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in developing a career in professional cookery, and we will discuss apprenticeship and funding eligibility with candidates during the recruitment process.
This is an opportunity to learn from experienced chefs while developing the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a long-term career in professional cookery.
We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to become a chef, not simply someone looking for a job.
What We Offer
At the Priory Hotel, you will be part of an Employee-Owned Hotel, where our team plays an important role in the success of the business.
You will receive on-the-job training, support from our experienced kitchen team and the opportunity to develop your skills across different areas of the kitchen.
As part of our team, you’ll also have access to a business performance-related bonus scheme, tax-free after 12 months’ service. Bonuses are dependent on the business’s profitability and are not guaranteed.
Salary is dependant upon age.
THERE IS NO ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE.
If you love cooking, want to learn and are serious about turning your passion for food into a career, we would love to hear from you.
No professional kitchen experience? No problem. We are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and a genuine desire to become a chef.
Apply today and start your career in professional cookery with the Priory Hotel.
Pay: From £27,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
