Culinary Apprentice

Overview

We are currently seeking ambitious, curious and creative Apprentice Chefs to join our kitchen. This year we are recruiting for two apprenticeship pathways within our kitchens - a Culinary Apprenticeship and a Pastry Apprenticeship.

Gleneagles has inspired generations of apprentice chefs who've rolled up their sleeves in our kitchens to learn their trade, hone their craft and kick-start successful careers in the culinary industry and field of luxury hospitality. Our Culinary Apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, learn from chefs at the top of their game, and access an outstanding professional development experience with a globally recognised industry kitemark.

Do you aspire to know your beurre noisette from your beurre blanc, your charcuterie from your cartouche, your choux from your crème pâtissière, and your Tandoor from your tartare? Are you ready to serve up a portion of excellence along with a side of talent, motivation and camaraderie?

With nine bars and restaurants, Gleneagles offers opportunities across the culinary spectrum, from Scottish fine dining to pastry, private dining, bar food, Italian brasserie and Indian cuisine. This apprenticeship combines education with hands-on training under expert mentorship, and has launched many great chefs' careers.

The on-target earning potential for this role is £29,883 per annum based on a 39-hour contract, comprising a base salary of £24,883 plus an estimated £5,000 in gratuities and service charge. As a member of the Gleneagles team, you will also enjoy a range of perks, benefits and rewards.

About Gleneagles

One of the world's most iconic luxury hotels and sporting estates, Gleneagles has a long history of excellence. We are committed to surpassing expectations and creating unrivalled experiences for our guests.

Working at Gleneagles

We value our people and support the whole individual - personal and professional. We offer flexible working requests and hours, with contracts to suit everyone. Location: Auchterarder, near the A9. Gleneagles is within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling and Perth.

Role detail

• Our Kitchen Apprenticeships are an 18-month, hands-on programme that leads to a Level 5 Professional Cookery qualification accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and a permanent position on successful completion.
• Learn on the job from day one, under the mentorship of a Culinary Development Partner, with opportunities for fun, adventures and lifelong friendships.
• Automatic enrolment into Gleneagles Academy with access to learning and development opportunities in luxury hospitality, including supplier visits, master-classes and workshops.
• Graduate from the Culinary Apprenticeship with skills and confidence to pursue a chef career.
• Portfolio of work-based learning leading to a Level 5 qualification, with options to progress to levels 6 and 7.
• Learn about food hygiene, safe working practices, recipe writing, menu planning, knife skills, cooking methods and food preparation.
• Depending on the chosen pathway, rotate through world-class restaurants or support multiple outlets from the Pastry Kitchen, gaining exposure to a variety of culinary styles and service environments: The Strathearn, The Birnam Brasserie, The Dormy.

You will also gain exposure to Private Dining & Events and seasonal pop-ups.

The kind of person we're looking for

• Ambitious for your future with determination to succeed and a desire to take first steps into a professional chef role.
• Committed to completing the required work-based learning and achieving a formal qualification, with practical, hands-on work experience.
• Passion for excellence and the ability to cook up creative, mouth-watering dishes.
• Hard working, able to perform under pressure or to deadlines.
• Positive, can-do attitude and problem-solving in a professional manner.
• Motivated with pride in your work and a commitment to high standards for our guests in line with the Gleneagles brand.
• Strong team player with good communication, organization and attention to detail; reliable and punctual.
• A desire to be part of a team that works hard, supports each other and has fun together.

What’s in it for you Time to let your hair down

• 30 days holiday (including bank holidays) that increases with service
• Seasonal parties and local social events
• 50% discount on Food & Beverage, Country Pursuits, Spa and Hair Salon (Mon-Thu) and the Golf Driving Range
• Golf Membership (with access to all 3 championship courses) for £50 per annum

Treats in your pocket

• Flexi points into your Perkbox wallet to spend as you choose
• Free pay day lunch and monthly drinks offers
• A generous refer-a-friend scheme

Be our guest

• Stay with us as a guest at Gleneagles or Gleneagles Townhouse for up to 2 nights per year at £95 per night - a benefit after 12 months of service
• Friends & Family discounted rate of £225-£275 B&B per night at Gleneagles
• Discounted rooms and restaurant rates with up to 50% off across wider Ennismore brands and hotels in locations worldwide
• Subsidised, single occupancy, en-suite accommodation on the estate

Investment in your development and wellbeing

• Pension scheme
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family
• Ongoing investment in your development with training qualifications and programmes
• Internal career opportunities across a range of specialisms
• Monthly recognition programme
• Volunteering day each year with a charitable partner of your choice
• Complimentary access to our staff gym
• Gleneagles Cycle Scheme

About gratuities & service charge

• Gratuities and service charge are paid on a pro-rata basis regardless of role
• Estimated around £5,000 in addition to annual salary for full-time employees in 2026

Recruitment & Selection Timeline

• Application - To be considered for our next intake, please complete your application by Sunday 12th April 2026
• Stage 1 Selection - Telephone interviews from week commencing 20th April to Friday 1st May 2026
• Stage 2 Selection - Selection Day at Gleneagles on Tuesday 19th May 2026
• Start Date - Our next cohort will join in September 2026

If you are our next Culinary Apprentice, please forward your most recent CV to us today!