1ST YEAR APPRENTICE CHEF

• Trades & Services
• Apprentice / Trainee
• Newcastle location
• Permanent / Full Time

7/9/2026

• Learn in the Hunter Valley with a well-established hospitality team
• Gain variety across à la carte dining, steakhouse and functions
• Build real kitchen skills with uniform provided and CCGT support

Calling Aspiring Master Chefs!
1st Year Apprentice Chef | Pokolbin NSW | Full-time | Start ASAP

The Opportunity
Love food, working with a team and the idea of building a career in a real commercial kitchen?

CCGT is looking for a 1st Year Apprentice Chef to join the team for a well-established hospitality business with multiple restaurant sites in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

This is a hands-on opportunity to learn in a fast-paced, professional kitchen where you’ll gain exposure to different styles of hospitality, including à la carte dining, steakhouse service and functions. No previous kitchen experience is needed. You just need to be reliable, motivated and ready to learn.

You will be employed by CCGT and placed with the Host Employer for your day-to-day work. CCGT will support you throughout your apprenticeship while you complete a nationally recognised Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

This is a full-time role, with the ability to work weekends and public holidays where necessary.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Your first few months will focus on learning kitchen safety, food hygiene, basic preparation skills and how a professional kitchen runs.

As your skills grow, you’ll start learning how to:

• Prepare ingredients for service
• Assist with cooking and plating dishes
• Follow recipes, menus and kitchen instructions
• Learn how to organise food preparation before service
• Support à la carte, steakhouse and function work
• Keep kitchen areas clean, safe and organised
• Work with chefs during busy service periods
• Follow food safety and workplace health and safety procedures

You will not be expected to know everything on day one. The goal is to listen, ask questions and keep improving.

Why This Is a Good Place to Start
You’ll be learning in a hospitality business that offers:

• Exposure to multiple restaurant styles and service areas
• Experience across à la carte dining, steakhouse and functions
• A professional kitchen team to learn from
• A fast-paced environment where you can build confidence
• A great team culture and supportive working environment
• Opportunities to move throughout the company as your skills grow
• Regular CCGT check-ins throughout your apprenticeship

You’ll also receive paid full-time employment, uniform, on-the-job training and support from CCGT throughout your apprenticeship.

After your apprenticeship, career pathways may include Qualified Chef, Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Head Chef, Functions Chef, Executive Chef or Hospitality Supervisor.

What We’re Looking For
This role could suit you if you:

• Are genuinely interested in food and hospitality
• Turn up on time and are ready to learn
• Listen carefully and follow instructions
• Work safely and respect the team around you
• Can handle a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Have the ability to work afternoon and evening shifts, weekends and public holidays
• Have a driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle

School hospitality, cooking at home, food tech, work experience, sport, volunteering or helping family all count. Include anything that shows you are reliable, practical and willing to have a go.

Pay
This is a paid, full-time apprenticeship. Current first-year apprentice rates are:

• $16.20 per hour, or approximately $615.51 per week for Under 21, 1st Year Apprentice
• $23.56 per hour, or approximately $895.28 per week for Adult, 1st Year Apprentice

Rates are before tax and based on 38 ordinary hours per week. Your exact rate will depend on the applicable apprenticeship classification and will be confirmed before an employment offer is made. Superannuation and any applicable overtime, penalty rates and allowances are paid in addition. Once qualified your earning capacity can be up to $150,000

How to Apply
Click APPLY NOW and upload your resume.

What’s Next?

• Apply online
• CCGT will contact you for a quick phone chat
• You may meet with CCGT
• You may then meet the Host Employer
• If it is the right fit, CCGT will help you get started

Questions? Contact Brooke on 02 4353 2655 or recruitment@ccgt.com.au.

Applications close: 5:00pm 7 October
Don’t wait! Applications are being reviewed as they come in and the role may be filled before the closing date.