Kitchen Porter
What is the work like?
As a kitchen porter, you would work in the kitchens of hotels, restaurants and other places where food is prepared and cooked for the public.
You would work alongside chefs and cooks to keep the kitchen clean, tidy, safe and hygienic. Your duties would include:
- sweeping and mopping floors
- washing used cutlery, pots, pans and dishes
- loading and unloading a dishwasher
- putting clean items away
- collecting waste and disposing of it safely
- unloading deliveries of food and other equipment to the kitchen.
You could also get involved in preparing food before the kitchen or restaurant opens.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to work as a kitchen porter, but a good general secondary education is useful.
Some employers might prefer you to have some GCSEs (A-E).
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training and you may also be encouraged to take a course in food hygiene or food safety in catering, like those awarded by ASET or the RIPH. You could also work towards NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality, which may be useful if you decide to progress to kitchen assistant.
With further experience and on-the-job training you could work towards becoming a chef. As a trainee chef, you could take NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, or Professional Cookery. Check the Chef job profile for details.
Where can I go for more information?
124 MicklegateYork
YO1 6JX
Tel: 0845 4589 500
London
W1B 1DE
Tel: 020 7580 2731
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 porters can be between £9,500 and £11,500 a year.
- With experience, this may rise to around £16,000.
Salary rates for porters will vary according to the type of establishment and its location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 40 hours a week including shifts, weekends and public holidays. You could also work on a part-time, temporary or seasonal basis.
Working conditions are usually hot and humid, and your employer will often provide you with a uniform.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good physical health, for unloading deliveries
- the ability to work in a team and use your initiative
- good communication skills
- the ability to remain calm under pressure
- an awareness of hygiene and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You will find job opportunities in most parts of the UK (and overseas) in large kitchens within hotels, restaurants and colleges. 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 and training, you may be able to progress from porter to assistant, and trainee chef (or quick service cook). A background as a porter may also help you move into other areas of catering, such as food and drink service or housekeeping.
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