Trainee Chef

The purpose of this role is to participate in a structured 3-year culinary apprenticeship programme designed to develop the technical skills, professional standards and operational discipline required of a chef within the Kitchen department. Rotate through relevant kitchen sections as required, gaining progressive exposure to preparation, production, service support, hygiene, food safety, stock awareness and section-specific standards. If you’re looking to develop your skills and be part of the future of luxury, this is your moment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform cleaning, sanitising and mise en place duties to the required kitchen, hygiene and food safety standards.
• Prepare ingredients under supervision, including washing, peeling, chopping, portioning, seasoning and basic preparation of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit.
• Prepare basic salads, sauces, garnishes and other production items in accordance with recipe, section and quality standards.
• Support plating and service delivery under the direction of the senior chef on duty, ensuring presentation standards are followed.
• Maintain hygiene, cleanliness and organisation of the assigned workstation, equipment and section at all times.
• Develop awareness of raw material quality, correct handling, storage, labelling and the production of consistent finished items.
• Follow all kitchen safety rules, food safety procedures, equipment-use instructions and lawful workplace directions.
• Carry out reasonable additional tasks assigned by the Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
• Maintain awareness of food cost, portion control, stock rotation, spoilage and waste reduction as part of professional kitchen development.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Grade 12/Matric - National Senior Certificate
• Active participation in both academic and workplace learning,
• Willingness to rotate across departments and shifts as required,
• Openness to feedback and coaching,
• Demonstration of professionalism, curiosity, and initiative,
• Responsibility for own progress and timely completion of assignments and assessments.

Benefits

What We Offer

At Mount Nelson, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture built on kindness, active listening, and genuine connections with our colleagues and guests. We offer a comprehensive range of compensation, perks and benefits including:

• Competitive basic salary and benefits
• Loyalty and recognition rewards programs
• Employee Assistance & Wellness programs

We strive to create an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a commitment to your ongoing development, you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Join us and be part of creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities, and each other.