Trainee Commis Chef

Overview

Would you like to pursue a career as a chef? Would you like to join a company that is committed to developing and progressing our team? Are you hard working and eager to learn?

If you answered yes, becoming an apprentice with the Talbot Hotel Cork and taking part in the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme is for you

Empower Your Excellence - Learn, Progress and Excel with #TeamTalbot. The Talbot Collection are one of the Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025 as awarded by the Great Place to Work. Come experience it for yourself and join our team.

What is involved?

Talbot Hotel Cork and the Talbot Collection in conjunction with the Cork ETB (CETB) are recruiting for Trainee Commis Chefs. The programme will commence on Monday 3 November 2025. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed trainee chefs to join our team. The programme is set to take place in, Cork College of FET – Bishopstown Campus.

Our 3-step approach - Earn while you Learn

Step 1: Earn while you Learn

Earn while you learn – complete 2 years training to achieve QQI Level 6 Major Award in Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts.

What does the training involve?

• Apprenticeship style model
• Trainee chefs will work 3 days per week in Talbot Hotel Cork
• Trainee chefs will work 2 days per week offsite in the Cork ETB professional training kitchen in Cork College of FET - Bishopstown Campus
• Must have own transport and ability to get to the training centre 2 days per week
• On completion in November 2027, trainee chefs will be awarded QQI Level 6 Major Award in Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts

Step 2: Permanent Employment and Continuous Development

• On completion of the training, trainee chefs will work on a full-time, salaried, and permanent contract of employment in Talbot Hotel Cork as a Junior Commis Chef
• Learn and work on-the-job with a team of experienced chefs
• Continuous development by way of on-the-job training and experience, as well as additional online modules
• The Talbot Collection are committed to development and progression, and will commit to continuing to invest in the development of all trainee chefs, both on the job and in further education
• Progressive pay scale subject to performance and progress

Step 3: Progress & Excel

Work hard, progress and excel in your career as a chef with a growing, progressive, and family-owned Irish company.

Finer details

• Trainee Chefs are required to remain actively working with the company for a minimum of 12 months on completion of the programme in November 2027. The programme is a three-year commitment (2 years college and at least 1 year thereafter in a Talbot Collection Hotel).
• Trainee Chef must be available to attend CETB training kitchens for a block release from Monday 3 November to Friday 14 November 2025 (TBC) - 2 weeks of full-time training
• Trainee chef must be available to attend CETB training kitchens in Naas 2 days per week and be available to work in their Talbot Collection Hotel 3 days per week
• Trainee chefs must be available to work full-time and flexible to work varying shifts to include mornings, evenings and weekends on completion of their training
• Persistent absence and non-attendance will result in automatic removal from the programme and the termination of your contract
• Must live within the proximity of Talbot Hotel Cork and be able to commute to work / have own transport
• Trainee chefs are required to complete projects and exams to achieve their QQI Level 6 Major Award in Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts

What qualities will our trainees have?

• Be passionate about food and focused on pursuing a career as a chef
• Be available and willing to commit to full-time employment with the Talbot Collection for a minimum of two years
• Be hard-working and possess a positive can-do attitude
• Be a team player and enjoy working as part of a team
• Be eager to learn and motivated by increased knowledge and progression
• Have an advanced level of written and oral English. All classes, assessments and on-the-job training are completed in English
• Have a qualification placed at Level 4 of the National Framework of Qualifications (a Pass Leaving Certificate), OR have at least three years trade related experience

If you have each of these qualities, we would love to hear from you
Some of the benefits of joining the team

• One of the Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025 as awarded by the Great Place to Work
• Join a company and culture that puts their team first
• Training and Development Opportunities - we invest in our people
• Being part of a progressive & growing company
• Contributory company pension scheme (12 months service requirement)
• Company Life Insurance Scheme
• Free parking
• Staff meals
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Talbot Collection Friends and Family Rates on accommodation
• Bike to Work
• Christmas Savings Scheme

Contact and apply

If you require further information, please contact Merin Abraham, Human Resources Executive at hr@talbotsofl cork.ie

Join us at Talbot Hotel Cork and take the first step towards becoming a professional Chef

Talbot Hotel Cork, part of the Talbot Collection is an equal opportunities employer.

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