A Career In Food Services

There are many types of Job roles that you could consider if you choose to enter in to a career in food services.

You will not need to have achieved top grades in your GCSE results to go in to this Industry.

There are city and guild qualifications you can take, which include a diploma in food and beverage services, food safety in catering and cleaning and support services. All of these would be beneficial and will give you a head start against your competition when applying for any Job roles.

You could always start as a food service assistant. Providing good customer service, while meeting strict food hygiene standards, is a very important part of the job.

Most assistants work on the service counter. Some also help to prepare food in the kitchen and work in dining areas. Others may organise and run events on the premises, such as children’s parties. Service assistants are normally provided with a uniform.

Service assistants may work shifts, totalling up to 40 hours per week. Flexible and part- time work are common.

Assistants usually have to stand for long periods. Fast food operations can be very hot and noisy. At the busiest periods the work is demanding. Some customers can be challenging from time to time.

Earnings start from around £9,920 per year for new entrants, and may rise to around £20,000 or more for trainee or assistant managers.

Waitressing is another starting point in the catering world. Waiters/waitresses are busiest in the evening and sometimes well into the night. Part-time and seasonal work is increasingly common. Shift work is very normal. Some staff based in remote areas need their own transport. Some employers supply a uniform, but others just require staff to adopt a dress code, usually black and white.

Starting pay should be based on the national minimum wage, which is around £7,342 to £11,918 a year, depending on age. A head waiter/waitress may earn £18,000 plus. Tips from customers are a considerable addition to staff income. Meals are usually provided and sometimes your accommodation is part of the package.

You could also consider working in a bar. The pub, bar and nightclub industry is currently suffering from the global recession. In the longer term, the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector is still predicted to grow. Employers can range from small bars, clubs and hotels to national chains of breweries and pub management companies.

The Job Roles above will give you the experience to progress your career. There are opportunities such as catering or restaurant manager, publican, hotel manager or chef, to name a few.

There are several Internet Job boards and Job sites advertising vacancies in the food service Industry. This will give you an idea as to what type of roles are currently available