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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Hammond, IN (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Cook information

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How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Hammond, IN is $15.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in professional kitchens. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may require a minimum age or prior food service experience. Apprenticeships help develop skills such as food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations.

What is a cooking apprenticeship?

A cooking apprenticeship is a structured training program where an apprentice cook learns culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation under the supervision of experienced chefs. It often involves hands-on work, skill development, and may lead to certification or qualification in culinary arts.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice cooks can be of any age, including 27, as apprenticeships are open to individuals seeking to develop culinary skills regardless of age. Many programs welcome mature learners who bring life experience and a strong work ethic, and age is rarely a barrier to entry in culinary apprenticeships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Apprentice cooks can often enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as programs are designed to teach foundational skills. Basic knowledge of kitchen safety, hygiene, and a strong interest in cooking can be beneficial, but formal experience is not always required for admission. Culinary schools typically provide hands-on training to develop necessary skills for a cooking career.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What are apprentice cooks?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Hammond, IN? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Hammond, IN are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Hammond, IN? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Hammond, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in Hammond, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in Hammond, IN are:
What cities near Hammond, IN are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities near Hammond, IN with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in Hammond, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,769 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$16.60/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position title: Comer Corps Apprentice 

Position reports to: Comer Corps Program Coordinator 

Status: Part Time Hourly 

Salary: $16.20/hour 

About the Comer Education Campus 

The Comer Education Campus (CEC) has been recognized as one of the most unique youth-serving organizations in the nation.  Our mission is to help young people prepare to be well rounded global citizens who are ready for college and careers.  We primarily serve youth in middle and high schools, while providing employment opportunities and counseling supports to our alumni. 

Located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, the campus is anchored by the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC), Gary Comer College Prep High School, and Gary Comer Middle School.  Programming is offered in three primary categories: academics, enrichment, and college and career preparation.  Together we serve nearly 2,000 young people annually. 

Position Summary 

Comer Corps Apprentices are young adults enrolled in one of GCYC’s two US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships: Culinary Arts or Urban Farmer 

The Community Urban Agriculture Team (Comer Crops) will provide youth and young adults with immersive experiences in community food systems, food sovereignty work, and other fields related to urban agriculture. The goal of the cohort is to promote environmental literacy and education, increasing individual agency within the local food system in order to build community resilience and decrease reliance on outside food sources. Comer Crops members will serve as “Green Ambassadors” and work on GCYC’s 1.75-acre, onsite urban farm and other gardens, forging deeper connections to the earth while providing all community members increased access to healthy and fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs year-round.  

The Francie Comer Culinary Apprenticeship is a two-year apprenticeship registered with the Department of Labor, to bring Culinary Art experiences and trainings to qualifying applicants. Apprentices will experience and learn about cooking, baking, recipe testing, safety and sanitation, and hospitality. Our goal for our apprentices is to be well prepared for employment across the culinary industry including but not limited to restaurants, catering, hotels, schools and cafeterias, and bakeries.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

  • Program Operations: 

  • Serve the GCYC and Greater Grand Crossing community as part of the work of one of the Comer Corps 

  • Participate in paid, mandatory professional development, team building, and service opportunities with the entire Comer Corps 

  • Maintain an accurate timecard by punching in and out at scheduled times 

  • Communicate about work issues (attendance, tardiness, performance, instructions) in writing with direct supervisor 

  • Responsible for special projects assigned by direct supervisor, Director of Employment Programs, or Executive Director. 

  • Culture/Values: 

  • Embrace/demonstrate the values of the Comer Education Campus:   

  • Youth Power 

  • Innovation 

  • Wellbeing 

  • Community Commitment 

  • Equity and Inclusion 

  • Joy 

  • Contribute to and maintain a productive and engaging work environment where employees feel safe, comfortable, engaged, and capable of being successful. 

  • Believes in continual improvement and has high expectations of themselves and their colleagues 

  • Intentionally and continuously strives to promote a culture that values and strengthens diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications:  

  • Must be a current Chicago resident with proof of residency (state ID etc.) 

  • Must be able to work legally in the US 

  • The ideal candidate is between the ages of 18 and 24, and has completed or is no longer enrolled in high school 

  • Interested in community service and engagement, excited about working alongside youth development professionals at the Gary Comer Youth Center 

Core Competencies 

  • Strong project management and organizational skills. Must be able to initiate and finish projects. 

  • Able to communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, stakeholders and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and oral communication. 

  • Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently. 

  • Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others. 

  • Must be able to take initiative and problem solve. Must be a creative thinker. 

  • Demonstrates strong accuracy in all areas of work and possess adaptive vitality. 

  • Must have basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office, independent use of the internet, and ability to learn and properly utilize software systems. 

  • Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures. 

Physical Work Requirements & Environment: 

The GCYC environment is consistently bustling with youth and community members. The Center’s work is fast paced and varied. Our work is done on site where our youth and families are. Therefore, it is required that team members meet the following requirements: 

  • Have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 

  • Able to complete administrative work in a shared office space within a youth center.