If you have some experience and/or qualifications, you could be cooking in a pub, restaurant or large catering kitchen or training as a chef.
You could also work in a smart hotel, perhaps in reception or behind the bar.
Case study
I don’t like silver service. Holding those big dishes with one hand and serving food with the other is not easy. I prefer bar work...
James, bar assistant for a catering company
Example jobs
Kitchen manager
Running the kitchen, ensuring safety, hygiene and prompt service to customers.
Bar tender
Preparing and serving drinks, advising customers on wines, spirits and cocktails.
Commis chef
Trainee chef in a large restaurant or hotel kitchen.
Hotel receptionist
Taking bookings, checking guests in, dealing with queries.
Guest services officer
Welcoming cruise guests, dealing with enquiries.
Assistant manager
High level of interaction with employees, recruitment, training, quality control, reviews, carrying out disciplinary action, liaising between employees and higher management.
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
Things you may need to know:
- Work is likely to be very fast-paced.
- You may be expected to work long hours and you will usually work shifts.
Qualifications needed
You will need some relevant experience, in a catering or customer service role.
Employers may be looking for a level 2 or 3 qualification in catering. They may ask that you have a food hygiene certificate (or they may provide training for this). You need to be customer-focused, business-minded and able to work in a team. For guest services roles, you may need a foreign language.
Career path
A commis chef can progress to chef de partie, running a kitchen area such as sauces or pastries. Other staff could become managers of their area, such as the bar, kitchen, catering service or reception. You could choose to move to a larger hotel or restaurant for experience or promotion. You may take up an opportunity to work overseas.
Useful links
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