Working as an Assistant Chef
Aiding with the preparation and cooking of meals for our guests and staff, this role offers plenty of variety and challenge.
More than 400,000 young guests enjoy a PGL trip each year, not to mention the 2,500 staff that live at our centres. That means a lot of hungry mouths to feed! This role offers the perfect chance to further your career in catering, taking on increased responsibility and building on your previous catering experience.
You will work under the direction of your Chef or Head Chef with the opportunity to develop your all round catering skills and awareness including food preparation, stock control, ingredients, portion control, health and safety requirements and the organisation involved in running a successful large-scale kitchen.
Skills
If you're looking for a gateway into a career in catering, within a supportive, rewarding and fun environment, this could be the position for you. An interest in catering is a must and previous catering experience is essential, although no formal qualifications are required to apply for this role.
We also operate a comprehensive training programme that gives you the chance to earn while you learn and the opportunity to gain some formal qualifications along the way. We're looking for people who are enthusiastic, enjoy working as part of a fast-paced team and who are willing to learn.
Key Responsibilities
You'll assist the Chefs/Head Chefs in preparing balanced, wholesome meals that fuel our guests and staff for their day of activities. This is a varied role that includes food preparation, cooking and service of meals and ensuring the kitchen and dining areas are kept clean, tidy and adhere to our health and safety standards.
Your working week will involve a combination of breakfast, lunch and evening meal shifts, but because our guests are younger, you'll rarely find yourself working beyond 8pm - unusual for the catering world! You will also be responsible for the day to day management, training and ongoing development of the team of catering assistants.
Learning and Development
If you join us as Assistant Chef you will have the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, skills and experience. You will receive a comprehensive centre induction, job specific training, regular observations, feedback and performance reviews.
You will also be eligible to enrol onto an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Catering and Professional Chefs, which includes a number of nationally recognised qualifications, all free of charge.
Progression Opportunities
There are a number of opportunities for you to extend your experience, knowledge and skills at PGL. We encourage all our employees to create and maintain a Personal Development Plan (PDP) that can be used to identify and work towards their career goals.
This is supported by our extensive range of formal and informal development opportunities. Career progression routes for Assistant Chefs include roles such as Chef, Head Chef and Dining Room Supervisor.
Who does this job?
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Chris Brookes, Château du Grande Romaine
I joined PGL as I thought it would be good life experience and a way to gain qualifications whilst developing in my chosen career. Through PGL I have gained my NVQ Level 2 Food Processing and Cooking and my Level 2 Health and Safety.
I have amazing memories from my first and second season working at Château du Grande Romaine; not just from the parties but the experience gives you a different way of life.It has made me confident in what I want to do with my life and what I want to be.
Staff Package
As an Assistant Chef with PGL you will receive a competitive wage with various accommodation and food packages available.
If working overseas, you’ll receive our competitive, industry-leading overseas staff package which is comparable to our UK staff package and complies with the appropriate employment legislation in the country where the role is based.
Where you can do this Role
Location
Availability

Key PGL Facts
Need more convincing to apply? Surely not, but if so – here are a few ‘must know’ key facts:
- we employ over 3,000 people every year
- over 400,000 guests visit a PGL centre every year
- we are experienced! We have been providing activity holidays since 1957, more than 60 years!
- we have the most competitive staff package
- we are the employer of choice within the outdoor activity industry!
“I very much loved my time with PGL and hope to have another opportunity with PGL in the future.”
Daniel, Catering, Dalguise