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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Manchester, CT (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Cook information

See Manchester, CT salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Manchester, CT is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Manchester, CT? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Manchester, CT are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Manchester, CT? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Manchester, CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Manchester, CT are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities near Manchester, CT with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in Manchester, CT as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,377 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Apprentice Food Service Technician- HVAC Experience Welcome!

Apprentice Food Service Technician- HVAC Experience Welcome!

Popco Service

Springfield, MA

$16 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Popco Service is an employee-owned company, built by technicians for technicians. We service hot-side commercial kitchen equipment in Western Mass and Northern Connecticut. We’re hiring a Food Equipment Apprentice Service Technician based in the Springfield, MA area.

Our tight-knit team of techs works Monday- Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm. Once you are able to work independently, you will have the ability to grow your income through overtime and on-call opportunities.  On-call is usually one week a month (includes the weekend), stops at 10 PM, and is paid at overtime rates. Our office handles scheduling, parts ordering, invoicing, and collections so that you can focus on providing the quality service our customers have come to expect from us after 25+ years in business.

QUALIFICATIONS

We look for candidates with electrical / mechanical work experience (like HVAC or industrial maintenance) and/or training. Hiring requirements include:

·Some electrical / mechanical experience

·An accredited High School Diploma or GED

·A valid Driver’s license

·Eventual ability to work overtime/on-call shift when required (usually one week per month)

RESPONSIBILITIES

We ask our apprentice technicians to:

·Learn from our experienced technician team to troubleshoot and repair a variety of commercial food equipment (cooking, food prep, baking,dishwashing, etc.)

·Repair equipment utilizing experienced technician diagnosis and guidance

·Work with gas, steam and electrical machine components

·Deliver an exceptional customer experience and go the extra mile

·Take advantage of formal and informal training to continuously improve

This apprentice role is focused on learning and skill-building in the Commercial Equipment Appliance Repair industry, with the goal of developing you into a full-technician on our team.  Once promoted to a full technician, you will be expected to work with minimal supervision and be eligible for paid over-time and on-call.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

At Popco, every employee receives a share of ownership in the business. The value of that ownership grows as the business grows. When the business makes money, the cash gets distributed to everyone. In addition, our technicians receive:

·Hourly and overtime pay

·Paid holidays and sick time

·Paid technical trainings

·Subsidized company health plan

·401K plan, including a 3% employer match

·Consistent work

 

Popco Service, Inc. is now employee owned! We service all gas, steam, and electrical food equipment, along with all makes and models of commercial dishwashing equipment. We proudly service some of the largest food serving clients in Western Mass, and some of the smallest! We do so with the same pride and integrity now as we did when we first started in business over 20 years ago. If you prep, cook, or clean with it, we fix it!