Kitchen Porter, or Kitchen Assistant vacancies are commonly filled by catering recruitment agencies that will list restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes amongst their collection of hospitality clients. Porters are considered key Kitchen Support staff and ensure that Chefs are able to operate efficiently.
What is the role of a Kitchen Porter?
The duties of Kitchen Porters can vary but they will mainly be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the kitchen. This will typically involve cleaning, tidying and washing utensils. Porters may also occasionally be tasked with basic food preparation, although this isn't predominately their role. Kitchen Assistant jobs can potentially lead to food training which can in turn see staff progress into entry level chef positions. The kitchen can be a fast-paced environment, and recruitment agencies know how to supply staff who can adapt to pressurised conditions.
Qualifications and pay
There are no specific qualifications needed to become a Kitchen Porter, although candidates with basic GCSEs will often be favoured by employers. Experience of working within a similar Catering or Hospitality environment is also seen as a plus, however this isn't a necessity. Most employers will provide on-the-job training to Assistants and Junior Porters, while they may also suggest that candidates gain relevant food hygiene credentials.
Permanent Kitchen Porters can expect to earn a salary of around £12K per annum, however they may also receive a proportion of an establishments' tips. Many candidates will work on a part-time or temporary seasonal basis and this usually results in a minimum hourly wage.
Recruitment agencies within Catering and Hospitality will be able to supply Kitchen Porters and Kitchen Assistants for permanent, temporary, part-time or seasonal hospitality vacancies. Depending on the size and type of agency, candidates will be supplied for local or nationwide positions.