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Chefs Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Chefs Apprentice information

What is a chefs apprentice?

Chefs Apprentices are individuals who are training under the supervision of experienced chefs to learn the skills and techniques needed for a culinary career. They typically work in professional kitchens, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and kitchen organization while gaining hands-on experience. Apprenticeships allow them to develop their culinary abilities, understand kitchen operations, and learn about food safety and hygiene. This role often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a qualified chef and can include both on-the-job training and formal education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chefs apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef's Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through entry-level training or culinary school. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, knife skills, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food preparation, and a positive learning experience under the guidance of experienced chefs.

What are some common challenges faced by a chefs apprentice and how can they be overcome?

As a Chef's Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as adjusting to fast-paced kitchen environments, mastering basic knife skills, and managing time effectively during busy service hours. It's normal to feel pressure at first, but seeking feedback from experienced chefs, practicing foundational techniques regularly, and maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude can help you succeed. Building strong communication skills and being proactive in assisting team members will also support your growth and integration within the kitchen brigade.

What is the difference between Chefs Apprentice vs Line Cook?

AspectChefs ApprenticeLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary school or basic certificationsTypically no formal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, often in training kitchensFast-paced, high-pressure kitchen stations
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in culinary establishmentsMid-level role, responsible for specific kitchen stations

Chefs Apprentices are entry-level trainees gaining foundational skills, often in a structured learning environment. Line Cooks are more experienced, responsible for preparing dishes on specific kitchen stations. While both roles work in kitchens, Apprentices focus on learning, whereas Line Cooks execute specific tasks efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chefs jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Chefs jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chefs Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chefs Apprentice job openings:

Pantry Cook - Hilton O'Hare Airport

Hyde Park Hospitality

Chicago, IL • On-site

$26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Hyde Park Hospitality is hiring for a Full-Time PM Pantry Cook at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport!
Pay Rate: $26.50 per hour

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ POSITION PURPOSE: Responsible for maintaining and setting up food production and quality control of all meat, fish, fowl, sauces, stocks, seasoning, and all other food items prepared in the different kitchen stations.

Average Percentage of

Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

65%

Prepares all food items according to standard recipes and/or as specified on guest check to ensure consistency of product to the guest. Visually inspects, selects, and uses only food items ideal cooking, in preparation of all

menu items.

15%

Checks and controls the proper storage of product, monitoring age and condition of all food items to rotate and maintain highest quality. Keeps all refrigeration equipment, storage and working areas clean and clutter free, complying with Health department regulations.

10%

Prepares daily requisitions for supplies and food items for production.

10%

Reads and employs math skills to follow recipes.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the requirements of the company.

Attend mandatory meetings.

  • Perform all assigned side- work such as replenishing condiments and restocking side-stands.
  • Abide by all state, federal and corporate liquor regulations pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages.
  • Transport necessary items to ensure food safety standards and satisfy guest needs.
  • Perform general cleaning tasks to adhere to health and safety standards.
  • Keep work area clean and organized.
  • Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequency Key:

Never - O hours; Rare - up to 1 hour; Occasional - 1-3 hours; Frequent - 3-6 hours; Constant - 6-8 hours.

Physical Activity

Frequency

Sitting

Rare

Walking

Frequent

Standing

Occasional

Climbing Stairs

Occasional

Crouching/Bending/Stooping

Occasional

Reaching

Occasional

Grasping

Frequent

Pushing/Pulling

Occasional

Near Vision

Constant

Far Vision

Frequent

Talking

Constant

Smell

Constant

Taste

Constant

Lifting/Carrying (# lbs.) up to 50+lbs

Occasional

Travel

Rare

OTHER DUTIES

Demonstrate working knowledge of the service standards.

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by HPH from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

OSHA laws require the use of the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work duties that have the potential of risk to your health or safety:

  • Safety shoes (slip resistant)
  • Use of gloves/mitts (latex, vinyl, plastic, fabric. metal)
  • Back belts for heavy lifting
  • Aprons

Team members will be trained in the proper use and care of assigned PPE. The hotel provides the required PPE. It is your responsibility to report defective, damaged, or lost PPE, or equipment that does not fit properly, to your Manager.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Positions directly reporting to this position (titles): None

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Good working knowledge of the fundamentals of the broiler, sauté, fry, roast, moist heat and other cooking methods.
  • Good working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation.
  • Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment, i.e., stoves, ovens, broilers, steamers, kettles, etc.
  • Basic mathematical skills necessary to understand recipes, measurements, requisition amounts and portion sizes.
  • Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language in order to complete requisitions read recipes and communicates with other team members.
  • Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry, or otherwise, move goods weighing a maximum of 100 lbs. on a continuous schedule.
  • Ability to stand and to work continuously in confined spaces.
  • Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS EDUCATION

Any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. High school diploma required. Culinary or Apprenticeship program preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Five or more years cooking experience preferred. Prior hotel and restaurant cooking experience preferred.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

Food Service Sanitation certification. Ability to obtain any government required licenses or certificates.

GROOMING/UNIFORMS

All employees must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance. Specific uniform guidelines and/or required articles of clothing will be explained to you as a part of the orientation process.

NOTICE:

The hospitality business functions seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. In addition, this is a hospitality business and a hospitable service atmosphere must be projected at all times.

Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with HPH rules and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of HPH facilities. Employees who violate HPH rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.


ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hyde Park Hospitality (HPH) is a young—but dynamic and fast-growing—company built on deep roots in the food business. HPH earned Crain’s Fast 50 Award in 2026 for being one (ranked 30th) of the fifty fastest growing businesses in the Chicago-area! We provide services ranging from airport concessions, management staffing, brand licensing, to contracted food and facilities management. With a 75% diverse senior management team, HPH values diversity and welcomes everyone with necessary qualifications and experience, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and any other protected status, to apply. Learn more about us at hph-us.com.