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Working as a kitchen assistant/porter in the UK can be physically demanding, fast-paced, and requires good teamwork skills. The primary role of a kitchen assistant/porter is to help keep the kitchen clean and tidy, wash dishes, pots, and pans, and assist the chefs in preparing food. The job can involve a lot of standing, lifting heavy items and moving around quickly to keep up with the demands of the kitchen. As a kitchen assistant/porter, you may work long hours, including weekends and evenings.
In addition to washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean, a kitchen assistant/porter may be required to perform other tasks, such as stocking shelves and fridges, taking out the trash, and helping with deliveries. Attention to detail and a good understanding of health and safety regulations are also essential.
The pay for kitchen assistants/porters in the UK can vary, but it is usually minimum wage or slightly above. There may be opportunities to progress to more senior roles within the kitchen with more responsibility and a higher salary.
Overall, working as a kitchen assistant/porter in the UK can be a challenging but rewarding job for those who enjoy working as part of a team and are willing to put in the effort to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
You can find kitchen porter jobs in a variety of places, including:
Restaurants and cafes: Most restaurants and cafes require kitchen assistants/porters to help with food preparation, dishwashing, and other tasks.
Hotels: Hotels often have large kitchens that require a team of kitchen assistants/porters to keep everything running smoothly.
Catering companies: Catering companies may need kitchen assistants/porters to help with food preparation and setup for events.
Hospitals and care homes: Healthcare facilities may require kitchen assistants/porters to help with food preparation and dishwashing for patients and residents.
Schools and universities: Schools and universities may have large kitchens that require kitchen assistants/porters to help with food preparation and dishwashing for students and staff.
If you are considering a role as a Kitchen Porter you can search for our latest kitchen porter jobs that our Recruitment Specialists have available here.
Working as a kitchen porter can be a great starting point for a career in the culinary arts, as it provides you with valuable experience and exposure to a professional kitchen environment. Many chefs started their careers as kitchen assistants/porters and worked their way up through the ranks, learning new skills and techniques along the way.
As a kitchen porter, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced chefs, who can provide guidance and advice on how to prepare and cook different types of food. You may also be given the opportunity to assist with food preparation and plating, which can give you a taste of what it's like to work in a more senior role in the kitchen.
To progress from a kitchen porter to a chef, you will need to develop your culinary skills and knowledge, which can be achieved through formal training and education. Many chefs attend culinary school or complete apprenticeships to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to advance in their careers. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Overall, while working as a kitchen assistant/porter is not a direct path to becoming a chef, it can be a valuable steppingstone that provides you with the experience and knowledge you need to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
There is typically a demand for kitchen porters and assistants in the UK, particularly in the hospitality industry. Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering companies all require kitchen staff to keep their kitchens running smoothly and ensure that customers receive high-quality food and service.
The demand for kitchen porters and assistants may fluctuate depending on factors such as the season, economic conditions, and changes in the hospitality industry. However, if there is a need for food service, there will likely be a demand for kitchen porters and assistants to support the kitchen team.