Kitchen Assistant
What is the work like?
As a kitchen assistant, you would be responsible for cleaning the kitchen, carrying out basic food preparation tasks, and making sure chefs have everything they need. You would follow strict hygiene, health and safety rules, and your duties would include:
- unloading deliveries from suppliers
- organising the storeroom
- washing kitchen appliances, work surfaces, floors and walls.
Kitchens are often divided into sections, for example, vegetables would be prepared in one area, meat, and fish in other sections. As an assistant, you will often take responsibility for supporting the chef in a single work area.
Your work would also involve helping the trainee and head chefs get ready for service. This can involve preparing food items so they are peeled, trimmed and washed, and ready to be cooked when ordered. You would use a variety of kitchen equipment such as automatic mixers, chipping machines and specially designed knives and cutters.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to work as a kitchen assistant, but a good general secondary education is useful. Some employers may prefer you to have GCSEs (A-E).
Previous experience of working in a kitchen, or in catering would also be helpful.
By law, people under 18 are not allowed to handle some equipment (such as meat slicers) so your role in the kitchen may be restricted until you reach this age.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from an experienced member of staff. This may be combined with attending college to learn about hygiene, health and safety, and food preparation techniques.
You could also work towards qualifications such as NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality (Food Preparation and Cooking) and Level 2 in Food Processing and Cooking, or Professional Cookery. You could go on to complete certificates in food studies, and hospitality and catering, which may help you progress in your role.
Where can I go for more information?
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for kitchen assistants can be between £9,500 and £12,500 a year.
- With experience, this could rise to £16,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours of work can vary, but will usually include shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays. If you are based in a factory or business, your hours are likely to be more regular. Part-time, casual or seasonal work may be available.
Your working environment will often be hot, busy and noisy. You may find this work unsuitable if you suffer from certain skin conditions.
You will usually be provided with a uniform by your employer.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- stamina and enthusiasm
- a flexible approach to work
- the ability to carry out set tasks quickly and efficiently
- good spoken communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative and work in a team.
What opportunities are there?
You will find job opportunities in kitchens throughout the country in restaurants, hotels, care homes, schools, colleges and universities. There are usually plenty of vacancies for this type of work. Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, through Jobcentre Plus, on specialist catering recruitment websites as well as in industry journals such as Caterer & Hotelkeeper, and Hospitality Magazine.
With experience, further training and NVQ Level 2, you may be able to work towards becoming a trainee or commis chef.
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