A Kitchen Assistant is an important part of any kitchen team, helping to ensure the smooth running, cleanliness, and efficiency of the workspace. This requires a good understanding of hygiene standards, food preparation and other kitchen-essential skills. Kitchen Assistant roles are available across the UK with hospitality and catering being an essential sector in all locations. Here, we will explore what you can expect from your day-to-day as a Kitchen Assistant, how to apply for roles near you, and what to put on your CV.
What is a Kitchen Assistant?
A Kitchen Assistant, also commonly known as a Kitchen Porter, is someone employed to assist the chefs and cooks with kitchen duties, preparation, and cleaning responsibilities. This is an entry-level role that doesn’t require any specific qualifications, however experience or an understanding of kitchen environments can be useful. However, some skills that can be useful when applying for Kitchen Assistant roles includes organisation, time management, and some culinary abilities or interest. A kitchen can be a fast-moving environment which requires strict team working to work efficiently so communication is also key to succeeding in this role.
As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll be supporting the everyday functions of the kitchen and acting as a helping hand for chefs and cooks. This can include manning their stations, cleaning the environment, washing dishes, preparing food, maintaining stock, and any other kitchen demands during the working day. Shifts can vary, with the possibility of late evening and weekend work for most Kitchen Assistants. Due to the demands on hospitality and catering, these shifts offer flexible, unconventional working hours that could work around prior commitments.
How to Become a Kitchen Assistant?
You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience to become a Kitchen Assistant – this is an entry-level role. However, some passion, knowledge, or transferable skills that can be applied to a kitchen setting can be useful when applying for these roles. Some skills you can focus on developing include communication, time management, and basic culinary skills.
What to Put on a Kitchen Assistant CV
This role is an entry-level position, meaning that you don’t need extensive kitchen experience for most positions. Instead, you should focus on highlighting specific transferable skills on your Kitchen Assistant CV. These include any basic culinary skills, time manage, organisation, cleanliness and hygiene awareness and even first aid awareness and courses can be useful.
Similar Jobs to Kitchen Assistant
Looking to expand your career or find other roles within a kitchen? There are plenty of positions available in a kitchen environment that build on your Kitchen Assistant skills. These roles include Dishwasher, Food Service Worker, Cook, Pastry Chef, and Kitchen Operative. Each role has their own level of experience and understanding in the kitchen, developed from the basics you can learn as a Kitchen Assistant.
Other Jobs in Hospitality and Catering
The hospitality and catering sector hires around the UK, with thousands of positions available around the year. Whether you’re looking for a part-time shift to fit around commitments or a full-time position to develop your skills into a career, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for other jobs in the catering industry that aren’t Kitchen Assistant, then you might consider moving into jobs such as Barista, Bartender, Waiter/ Waitress, Chef, or Cleaner. These roles all provide flexible working within a fast-paced hospitality and catering environment. Whether you’re looking for another entry-level opportunity or to explore your next step, there are a variety of roles on offer in this sector.
Apply for Kitchen Assistant Jobs Near You
Looking to find work in a local kitchen? There are plenty of Kitchen Assistant jobs available around the UK, whether you’re working for a restaurant, hotel, or business, this position provides flexible work suited around you. If you’re looking to develop your skills, start a career as a Chef, or explore flexible work opportunities, then you can apply for Kitchen Assistant jobs near you.
Kitchen Assistant Job Description FAQ
Is a Kitchen Assistant a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Kitchen Assistant is a good career choice for many people who enjoy gaining hands-on experience within a fast-paced environment. Whether you’re looking for flexible work that fits prior commitments, and entry-level role into the hospitality and catering industry, or even to develop your skills for a career as a Chef, Kitchen Assistant roles are a good career choice.
What Skills Does a Kitchen Assistant Need?
You don’t need any specific qualifications to be a Kitchen Assistant but some skills that can help you succeed in the role include:
- Basic culinary skills
- Communication
- Teamworking
- Time management
- Cleanliness and hygiene
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Kitchen Assistant?
This is a physically demanding job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time, as well as to compromise with unconventional shift patterns that might require you to work evenings or weekends which might not work for some people.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Kitchen Assistant?
If you’re looking to excel as a Kitchen Assistant, some personal qualities you will need to have include:
- Excellent verbal communication
- Teamworking skills
- Attention to detail
- Persistent and dedicated over long time periods
- Comfortable within fast-moving environments
