What is a Kitchen Porter? Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path | UK Career Advice

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What is a Kitchen Porter?

A Kitchen Porter is a key team member in restaurants and cafes in the UK, helping with food preparation, keeping the kitchen clean, and carrying out various tasks to ensure smooth service. It's a great entry-level role for teens interested in the culinary field, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and potentially advance to other positions within the industry.

Skills

Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
Physical stamina and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
Attention to detail and ability to maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen
Good communication skills to interact with kitchen staff and chefs
Flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays
Basic knowledge of kitchen equipment and utensils
Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time

Qualifications & Education

No formal academic entry requirements
On-the-job training provided
NVQs/SVQs available at Levels 1 and 2 in relevant areas

Career Path

Kitchen Porter

Chef

Head Chef

Restaurant Owner

Catering Assistant

Catering Manager

Event Planner

Food and Beverage Assistant

Food and Beverage Manager

Hotel General Manager

Waiter/Waitress

Restaurant Supervisor

Restaurant Manager

Dishwasher

Kitchen Assistant

Sous Chef

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kitchen porter a good career?

Yes, being a kitchen porter can be a good career due to its potential for career progression despite being physically demanding and low-paid.

What is the career path of a kitchen porter?

With experience and further training, a kitchen porter in the UK can become a trainee or junior chef, progress into management, or move into bar work or food service.

What qualifications do I need to be a kitchen porter?

To be a kitchen porter in the UK, you typically do not need any formal qualifications. However, it is recommended to have a Level 1 Food Safety Award, awareness of manual handling techniques, awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety, experience with kitchen equipment, and a basic understanding of English.

Kitchen Porter: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

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