What's in a day?
As a kitchen attendant – or kitchen assistant – you are effectively the engine room of the kitchen. Working under the guidance of a kitchen supervisor or chef de partie, your job is to ensure that the kitchen is clean and operational. In some kitchens, you may also be involved in preparing ingredients, so it's a great stepping stone to becoming a chef.
Key responsibilities:
- Ensuring the food preparation areas are clean and hygienic
- Washing utensils and dishes and making sure they are stored appropriately
- Sorting, storing and distributing ingredients
- Washing, peeling, chopping, cutting and cooking foodstuffs and helping to prepare salads and desserts
- Disposing of rubbish
- Organising linen laundry
- Cleaning the food preparation equipment, floors and other kitchen tools or areas
What sort of hours will I work?
It's split shifts, including some evenings and weekends, just like the rest of the brigade. Most jobs specify a 40 hour week, but you need to be prepared to work longer if necessary. That said, a lot of kitchen attendant jobs are part time.
What's the best bit about being a kitchen attendant?
You've got your foot on the first rung of the ladder to becoming a great chef.
And the worst?
It's hard, physical work.
What skills do I need?
- Understanding the importance of health and hygiene
- Plenty of stamina
- A great team player
- The ability to listen and learn – fast
What qualifications do I need?
This is the great bit – you don’t usually need any. If you’ve got a desire to learn to cook, common sense and commitment, you could go far.
Who would it suit?
This role is a dream for those of you who want to work as a chef, but haven’t been to catering college or obtained any qualifications. If you’ve got ambition and drive, you can train on the job and take advantage of your employer’s development programmes.
What sort of salary can I expect?
Some employers will offer you an hourly rate of £5.80-£7.20. Otherwise, you can expect a full time salary of about £12,000-£14,500.
Where can I go from here?
Many successful chefs have worked their way up to more senior positions by starting their careers in this way, so it’s up to you how hard you want to work
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