Catering Assistant

What is a catering assistant?

A catering assistant is someone who works in the food service industry, helping to prepare and serve food at events, restaurants, cafes, or other establishments.

What does a catering assistant do?

Usually, a catering assistant does the following:

• Assisting with food preparation and cooking
• Serving food and drinks to customers or guests
• Setting up and cleaning dining areas
• Taking orders and handling payments
• Assisting in the kitchen with washing dishes and cleaning utensils
• Ensuring food hygiene and safety standards are met

What does the day-to-day life of a catering assistant look like?

A catering assistant typically works shift hours, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are common times for events and dining out. The hours can vary depending on the demand and specific establishment you work for. During your shift, you will be involved in various tasks such as food preparation, serving customers, and ensuring the dining area remains clean and presentable.

Where does a catering assistant work?

A catering assistant can work in a variety of establishments, including:

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Hotels
• Event venues
• Catering companies
• Schools or universities

The location can vary depending on the establishment, but you can find catering assistant jobs in cities, towns, and even rural areas.

What tools/equipment does a catering assistant use?

A catering assistant uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Kitchen utensils such as knives, pans, and pots
• Serving trays and plates
• Cash registers or point-of-sale systems for handling payments
• Cleaning equipment like mops, brooms, and dishwashers

What do I need to become a catering assistant?

There are multiple paths to becoming a catering assistant, including:

• On-the-job training: Some establishments may provide on-the-job training, teaching you the necessary skills for food preparation, serving, and customer service.
• Catering courses: Taking a catering or hospitality course can provide you with formal training and knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and various cooking techniques.
• Work experience: Gaining experience by working in entry-level roles in the food service industry can help you develop the skills required to become a catering assistant.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a catering assistant, including:

• Kitchen Supervisor/Manager: With experience and further training, you can progress to a supervisory or managerial role, overseeing the kitchen operations and managing a team.
• Event Catering Manager: If you enjoy working on large-scale events, you can become an event catering manager, responsible for planning and executing catering services for special events, conferences, or weddings.
• Restaurant Manager: With the right experience and skills, you can progress into a restaurant management position, where you will be responsible for managing the overall operation of a restaurant.

What jobs are similar to a catering assistant?

• Barista: Working in coffee shops or cafes, preparing and serving hot beverages to customers.
• Food and Beverage Server: Serving food and drinks in restaurants, hotels, or banqueting venues.
• Kitchen Porter: Assisting in the kitchen by cleaning and maintaining the kitchen premises and equipment.

What made you want to become a catering assistant?

How did you get your first catering assistant job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a catering assistant?

Are you a catering assistant? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to catering assistant. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.