Apprentice Chef - Kokoda Barracks
ESS Defence delivers the best hospitality and catering services to our Defence personnel. We are committed to providing nutritional and delicious meals to our customers, whether in dining halls or out on the field. The work that we do is essential in keeping our Australian Defence Force healthy, comfortable, and living their best Defence Life.
The Position
Kick start your career as an Apprentice Chef at Kokoda Barracks in Canungra, a unique Defence environment located in the Scenic Rim, around 30 minutes from the Gold Coast.
This is a full-time apprenticeship, where you will complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery while gaining hands-on experience in a high-volume kitchen. All training is paid and completed in work time, supported by a team of experienced chefs.
In this role, you will:
- Learn to prepare meals across breakfast, lunch, dinner and functions
- Work in a high-volume, buffet-style kitchen environment
- Assist with food preparation including salads, desserts and baking
- Follow standard recipes, production methods and food safety (HACCP) requirements
- Build practical skills through structured, on-the-job training
- Support a busy catering team delivering large-scale food service
This site operates 7 days a week, 3 meals a day, giving you exposure to a wide range of cooking styles and service environments.
The Person
We’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to build a career in commercial cookery. This opportunity is suited to:
- School leavers looking to start their career
- Career changers seeking a fresh start
- Current 1st or 2nd year apprentices looking to continue their training
To be successful, you will have:
- Australian citizenship (required for Defence site access)
- A current driver’s license and reliable transport (rural location)
- A genuine passion for food and a willingness to learn
- A positive attitude and ability to take direction
- Strong reliability and commitment to completing your apprenticeship
Previous kitchen experience is beneficial but not essential.
The Benefits
- Full-time roster (shifts between 5:00am – 7:30pm, occasional functions to 8:00pm)
- No overnight work
- All training and support provided and paid during work hours
- Opportunity to learn from experienced chefs in a high-volume environment
- Career progression opportunities across Compass Group
- Free meals while on duty, parking on site, uniforms and tools supplied
- Access to employee discounts and benefits program
Recruitment & Eligibility
As this role is based on a Defence site, successful candidates must:
- Be Australian citizens
- Be able to obtain and maintain Defence security clearance
- Undertake a national police check (paid by the Company)
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a site tour and meet the team.
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