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Culinary Apprentice Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Culinary Apprentice information

See Normal, IL salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do culinary apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprentice in Normal, IL is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary apprentice?

To thrive as a Culinary Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a passion for learning, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and sometimes completion of a food handler certification are important for this role. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to take direction help apprentices excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for building foundational culinary techniques, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient kitchen operations.

What is a culinary apprentice?

Culinary apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to work in a professional kitchen, typically under the guidance of experienced chefs. They combine hands-on training with classroom instruction to gain a comprehensive understanding of cooking methods, food safety, and kitchen operations. Culinary apprenticeships are often part of formal programs that may lead to certification or qualifications recognized in the culinary industry. This role is ideal for those who want to gain practical experience while learning the trade. Apprentices may rotate through different kitchen stations, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and plating, while gradually taking on more responsibility.

What does a culinary apprentice do?

As a Culinary Apprentice, you can expect a hands-on learning experience that includes assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting chefs with various cooking and plating tasks. You'll likely rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a range of culinary techniques and cuisines. Apprentices are often responsible for ingredient measuring, chopping, and basic cooking, as well as learning proper food safety standards. Collaboration with chefs and other kitchen staff is key, and you'll receive ongoing feedback to help you develop your culinary skills.

What is the difference between Culinary Apprentice vs Culinary Intern?

AspectCulinary ApprenticeCulinary Intern
CredentialsOften requires basic culinary training or certificationMay have limited or no formal credentials, often students
Work EnvironmentApprentices work in professional kitchens, learning hands-on skillsInterns may assist in kitchens or food service settings, focusing on observation and learning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in culinary schools, restaurants, hotelsTypically found in hospitality or food service programs, internships
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level culinary training or apprenticeshipsIndividuals exploring internship opportunities in culinary fields

In summary, a Culinary Apprentice is usually engaged in structured training with hands-on experience, often requiring some certification, while a Culinary Intern generally focuses on observational learning, often as part of an educational program. Both roles serve as entry points into the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprentice jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprentice jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Culinary Apprentice jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Culinary Apprentice job openings:
Culinary Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Apprentice job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,276 per year, or $16 per hour.

*2nd Shift* Maintenance Technician

Sandridge Food Corporation

Morton, IL • On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Sandridge Crafted Foods rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 436 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Sandridge Food Corporation is built on a foundation of innovation, quality and commitment to the customer. We provide services and fresh food solutions for the foodservice and retail industries. A leader in the North American refrigerated foods industry for more than 50 years, Sandridge specializes in fresh refrigerated deli salads, sides, soups, sauces and specialty dishes. Our fresh, never frozen, products are created by culinary experts and designed to please the taste enthusiast.
Position Purpose:
The maintenance technician position is responsible for performing highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems and processes to support the achievement of the site's business goals and objectives.
Key Specific Responsibilities:
  • Comply with Sandridge food safety and food quality programs.
  • Preventive maintenance and service of all equipment in oven rooms, warehouse and production floors to include roll stock, multi-vac, grinder, slicer, conveyor scale, stein tenderizer, etc. This includes checking/changing filters on heating and cooling as needed.
  • Document all routine inspections and maintenance.
  • Identify electrical and machinery problems as they arise and repair each promptly.
  • Lubricate all refrigeration motors and change filters, oil motors and shaft bearings, and change oil in vacuum pumps.
  • Service and maintain company facility and grounds (i.e. painting, snow removal).
  • Work safely with production equipment and understand lock out / tag out safety requirements.
  • Work safely with sharp, pointed electrical, etc. objects.
  • Follow all Sandridge-Morton Core Values and be a team player
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications for Position (Experience, Education and Licensure):
Minimum (required):
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Completion of a craft apprenticeship, or an equivalent number of years of education and production maintenance experience.
  • 4+ years of manufacturing experience; strong HVAC, mechanical and industrial skills.
  • Physical ability to bend, crouch and lift objects throughout the day.
  • Be physically capable of lifting, pushing, pulling 50 lbs. on a frequent basis.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow appropriate chain of command
  • Good communications skills
  • Must have the ability to read, interpret, and understand electrical schematics and diagrams to support troubleshooting and maintenance activities.

We offer the opportunity to develop and grow your career, and are committed to promotion from within. Sandridge is an equal opportunity at will employer. It is the policy of the Sandridge Food Corporation to ensure equal employment to all applicable federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status or veteran status is illegal.

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