Caterlink is the education sector catering specialist. For 25 years, the Company has delivered fresh food solutions to pupils and staff at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges across the UK. The company caters for more than 2,000,000 meals a week. Our “Fresh Food Policy” is the foundation of our success and growth in the market coupled with a desire to truly deliver on the promises we make to our clients and support our site-based teams.

Ready to kick‑start your future after school and earn a degree while you work? Are you interested in a career in HR and live near Reading Berkshire ?Then you will want to hear more about this fantastic job opportunity!

We are offering you the opportunity of a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship to join our HR team, supporting your development while you combine hands-on-experience with blended study through our Apprenticeship provider.

We have a skilled team that are eager to share their knowledge and support you throughout your Apprenticeship. You will gain vital experience to start with from our catering operations to health and safety, with a longer term view of developing your HR and people skills with our own HR team. You will have one dedicated day specifically for studying with our University Apprenticeship provider.

You will have the opportunity to develop your communication, presentation and negotiation skills with all stakeholders from varying backgrounds and cultures. Our focus is on pleasing our clients and customers and keeping our people safe, happy and engaged. Please note a full driving licence and access to your own car is required for this role as travelling will be required(for which you will be reimbursed travel expenses).

Shortlisted candidates will first be invited to an initial telephone call to discuss the role, your interests and to answer any questions you may have. Following this, successful applicants will be invited to an interview at our Reading office which will include a short presentation. The aim is to understand your strengths, how you work with others, and to ensure the role and programme are the right fit for you.

Caterlink is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be obtained for this role.

Caterlink is an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Caterlink strives to always provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our teams where every individual is treated with respect, integrity and has the opportunity to grow and be treated equally and with fairness at all times.

• You must have two subjects at GCE A-level or equivalent, plus three GCSEs at grade A*-C/9-4; OR a completed recognised Access Programme or equivalent
• You must have proficiency in the English language if any prior learning has not previously been taught in English (IELTS6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent)
• You must be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the apprenticeship
• You must be able to evidence GCSE English and Maths passes at grade A*- C/9-4 or commit to completing Functional Skills Level 2, in addition to the programme. If required, this is provided at no additional cost.
• We want you to have a genuine interest and passion for food and people
• We want you to have a genuine interest in learning
• You should be flexible and have great communication/customer service skills
• We would love you to be proactive with problem solving skills and using your own initiative
• You will need to be dedicated and committed to the management programme from the end of September 2026, completing the apprenticeship over a period of 30 months

There are many advantages to working for us including:

• With Caterlink you have the opportunity to a blended learning programme that can include formal qualifications including Apprenticeships, classroom training, eLearning and on the job training to support and encourage your development and enable you to be the best you can be. Everyone who joins us is provided with an induction where they learn more about us and enable them to be the best they can be. We invest in development opportunities and are always looking to recruit, train and retain the best people for our own future talent and your own future development.
• We offer you access to our Employee Discount Platform where you can make great savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants as well as holiday discounts, family days out and many more!
• Our Employee Assistance Program and Virtual GP benefits are there for you and your family to use free of charge at any time
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