Covid-19 saw businesses in the hospitality and catering sector amongst the first to be closed in 2020. While some were able to adapt their offering by incorporating home delivery services, it wasn’t possible for every business, and many had to rely on government funding to survive.
Fast-forward to now, and with lockdown easing from April to June, those businesses able to survive are gearing themselves up for a huge summer. As such, the demand for workers is set to escalate in the coming weeks and months, particularly on the catering front, making it the ideal industry to break into for anyone interested in a career in food service. Here, we explore how you can kick start an exciting and rewarding career in catering!
Who’s it for?
If a job sitting behind a computer screen in an office isn’t for you and you’ve got a keen interest in food prep, cooking and catering, then you might consider getting your foot in the door as a Catering Assistant. This fast-paced role is suited to people who want to be on their feet and thrive in a busy environment.
What will I be doing?
The role of Catering Assistant is varied and will see you responsible for:
Washing, peeling and preparing food
Keeping surfaces and equipment clean
Dishwashing
Checking stock
Handling deliveries
Serving food
Supporting Chefs with specific tasks.
Where will I be working?
Being a Catering Assistant can take you anywhere with a kitchen! It could be in a cafe or restaurant, a hotel, an event space like an arena or football ground, the armed forces, within a catered workplace, school or college, or within a hospital setting.
What skills do I need?
While some Catering Assistant roles may require GCSEs grades A*-C and qualifications including a Level 2 award in Food Preparation and Service or a BTEC in General Cookery in Hospitality, many are open to all experience levels as long as you can:
Work well in a team
Listen and follow instructions
Communicate well
Engage with the public
Organise your workload
Maintain high standards of hygiene
Work well under pressure.
What can I go on to do?
Once you have developed your skills as a Catering Assistant, you can progress or move into a multitude of areas, including:
Kitchen Supervisor
Catering Manager
Trainee Chef/Commis Chef
Front-of-house like bar work or waiting (if you want to move out of the kitchen).
What are you waiting for?
PRS places Catering Assistants into some of the UK’s best-known hotels, restaurants, pubs, events companies and major venues. View our latest roles today or speak to Matthew Przyborowski to find out how you can start your exciting career in catering.