CatholicCare Hunter-Manning is seeking a motivated 2nd Year Apprentice Chef to join our café and catering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone currently studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery to continue developing their skills in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Working alongside an experienced Head Chef, you’ll gain hands-on experience across café and catering operations while progressing your apprenticeship. You’ll support day-to-day kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, stock rotation, and maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety. You’ll also assist with catering and café service, learning new techniques and building your confidence in a fast-paced kitchen.
You bring a positive, team-focused attitude, communicate well, and are committed to learning and growing as a chef. You’re flexible to work across functions and understand the importance of WHS and food safety standards.
In return, you’ll benefit from a supportive team environment with experienced mentors, hands-on learning across café and catering services, and the opportunity to continue and complete your apprenticeship—all while contributing to a not-for-profit organisation making a meaningful difference in the community.
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for and you meet the criteria, we would love to hear from you.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
Paid parental leave for eligible employees;
Fantastic ongoing training & development, coaching & mentoring and career progression opportunities;
A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers;
Discounted gym membership, Fitness Passport; and more.
The CatholicCare Café, ‘Martha’, is operated by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning. Martha operates Monday to Friday 7am – 4pm as well as hosts functions and conferences which operate in the evening, public holidays and on weekends.
Martha is staffed by a Professional Chef and Operations Manager and provides employment opportunities to vulnerable young people and refugees and asylum seekers, who undertake a traineeship as part of their employment.
The purpose of the position is to provide practical experience and training in café and catering operations with on-the-job learning. The Apprentice Chef will work under the guidance of the Head Chef to learn the aspects of Café & Catering services, along with studying at Tafe to achieve their qualification in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
While this position is expected to be present during the Cafe hours of operation, the work schedule is not strictly determined by those hours, and there may be a requirement to work outside of normal business hours.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Friendly and professional demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively within a team environment
Demonstrated passion for the food industry and service to customers
The ability to adhere to company WHS policies and Food Safety Guidelines to ensure a safe and productive café.
Ability to work flexible hours in accordance with functions, bookings and catering requirements.
Sound interpersonal and communication skills (written/verbal), including the ability to work and communicate effectively with co-workers.
QUALIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery through Tafe, or enrolled in/having successfully completed the first year of a recognised chef apprenticeship program
Ability to work in Australia.
A current Working With Children Check for paid employment or willingness to obtain.
Previous experience working in a hospitality setting (Desirable).
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.
For further information regarding this position, please contact: sally.mcallister@catholiccare.org.au
Applications close: 11:59pm Wednesday 27th May 2026
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
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