Kitchen Assistant/Porter

Kitchen assistants/porters help chefs by making sure that kitchens and equipment are always clean, tidy, safe and hygienic. They may also help to prepare food for cooking, for instance by peeling and chopping vegetables.

Exact duties vary between jobs but can include:

• helping to unload deliveries
• unpacking and storing food safely
• cleaning the kitchen floors and walls, fridges, ovens and work surfaces
• washing up, or operating the dish- and glass-washing machines
• cleaning pots, pans and other equipment by hand
• collecting and disposing of waste
• cleaning and cutting up vegetables, skinning and filleting fish, and chopping or mincing meat
• using equipment such as electric mixers, chipping machines, knives and cutters
• rotating stock and checking use-by dates
• making hot and cold sandwiches, toast, soup, desserts, simple salad and fruit dishes, tea and coffee.

Many staff work shifts that may include early, late or night shifts. Split shifts are common, as is work during weekends and public holidays. Part-time, casual and seasonal jobs are available.

Kitchen assistants/porters are on their feet for most of the time. Kitchens are often hot, steamy and noisy places. The job is likely to involve heavy lifting and carrying.

Salaries may range from around £10,046 to £16,700 a year.

A kitchen assistant/porter should:

• be able to follow instructions
• have stamina and enthusiasm
• be able to work quickly and efficiently
• work well alone and in a team
• enjoy practical, hands-on work.

Employers include restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, schools, colleges, universities, private companies, the armed forces, care homes and hospitals. There are also opportunities overseas, particularly in large cities and holiday resorts.

Kitchen assistants/porters do not usually need formal qualifications. Some previous experience of working in catering can be an advantage. Although not essential, it can be helpful to have a catering or hospitality qualification. It can be possible to enter this work through an Apprenticeship in hospitality and catering.

Kitchen assistants/porters are usually trained on the job under the supervision of experienced members of staff. They may be able to work towards a qualification.

It can be possible for an experienced kitchen assistant/porter to become a trainee or commis chef. Some move into a related area, such as food service or bar work.

Further details