Career guide

Kitchen assistant: career guide and training

As a kitchen assistant you prepare dishes according to the instructions and help with the preparatory work in the kitchen.

What will you do?

You store goods correctly, get the utensils ready, do the mise en place and cook simple dishes while keeping an eye on quality. You package food, keep your workstation clean and maintain the machines and equipment you use. The role is also known as kitchen help, kitchen porter or catering assistant.

  • Work in line with food safety and hygiene rules
  • Store goods correctly and at the right temperature
  • Get kitchen utensils ready for service
  • Carry out the mise en place
  • Prepare simple dishes and package food
  • Maintain the machines and equipment
  • Keep your workstation clean and tidy

Skills to develop

  • Strict hygiene and food safety awareness
  • Willing to work at pace during service
  • Physically fit for standing and lifting
  • Team player who follows instructions
  • Flexible with evening and weekend shifts
  • Basic knife and prep techniques

Your foundation for this occupation

Learn kitchen layout, hygiene routes and equipment names. Support preparation and an orderly workspace.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise staging ingredients, cleaning benches and replenishing equipment on time.

  2. Check your work

    Keep clean and used equipment separate and report shortages.

How can you grow?

Learn more preparation tasks to progress towards assistant cook.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which task comes first?

Check the upcoming service with the cook. Missing preparation for an order has a different priority from routine replenishment.

Sources and training

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