Published: 25/08/2022
Busy Bees is launching its hunt for new talent as it looks to recruit 150 new catering apprentices across the UK in 2022.
Applications are open for the apprenticeship scheme. This comes at a time when Busy Bees has been ranked 19th in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2022, ahead of the likes of Co-op, ASOS, McDonalds and Santander. Successful applicants are offered the opportunity to become a Production Chef Level 2 apprentice within 13 months and earn industry-leading rates of pay whilst training*.
With apprentice roles available at Busy Bees centres across the UK, successful candidates will have the chance to work towards a Senior Production Chef Level 3, whilst also gaining in-house training, the opportunity to gain further qualifications, and access to virtual learning.
Each new recruit will be guaranteed a permanent job with Busy Bees on the successful completion of their apprenticeship. Plus, applicants will receive ongoing support through a line manager, development coach and a mentor.
Chris McCandless, Chief Operating Officer at Busy Bees, said: “The hospitality sector is one of the main sectors facing a staffing challenge following the pandemic. We are proud to be offering a different route into the sector and supporting people to get back into work.
“Our food credentials are a vital part of Busy Bees Nurseries, ensuring we provide healthy nutritious meals to our children every day. “By taking part in our apprenticeship scheme, applicants will be rewarded with a market-leading salary and the chance to continue acquiring new skills and qualifications throughout their career.”
Jessica Perry, who joined Busy Bees in 2014, is now Head Chef at the Milton Keynes Browns Wood nursery. She added: “Starting a job at a nursery was a big change for me after working in the kitchen at our local pub. Despite having ten years’ experience as a chef, it was only when I began working at Busy Bees that I was given the opportunity to gain a professional qualification.
“I absolutely love cooking for young children – they are so honest and there is nothing better than watching them learn and grow as they move through the nursery. With the help of Busy Bees, I hope to work towards my Level 3 qualification and support other catering apprentices in my role as a Chef Mentor.”
Busy Bees Education and Training is a leading provider of training for the early years sector, and in 2018 was awarded the inaugural Queens Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity. Handed out on the Queen’s 92nd birthday, the award recognises Busy Bees’ social mobility programme and commitment to quality training for apprentices.
To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme at Busy Bees and how to apply, please visit: www.busybeestraining.co.uk/apprenticeships or drop into your local Busy Bees nursery to pick up a recruitment pack.
To learn more about working at Busy Bees and view all current vacancies please visit https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/working-at-busy-bees.