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Kitchen Porter
Hospitality

How to become a Kitchen Porter

What does a Kitchen Porter do?

Want to work in catering but have no idea where to start? You should be a Kitchen Porter…As a Kitchen Porter, it’s your job to carry out some of the fundamental tasks which are essential for the smooth running of a kitchen. The job isn’t always glamorous, Kitchen Porters are often the unsung heroes of restaurants, and many go on to have successful careers in catering as a result.Day-to-day responsibilities may vary depending on publication and experience, but typical duties could include:
  • Washing up, and cleaning kitchen appliances
  • Preparing work surfaces to ensure hygiene standards are adhered to
  • Receiving and unloading deliveries
  • Keeping the store room tidy and organised
  • Basic food preparation

Is a career as a Kitchen Porter right for me?

The best Kitchen Porters are enthusiastic, hardworking and efficient. The ability to pick up tasks quickly and work under your own supervision is similarly essential, and adapting well to the kitchen environment is key for those looking to move forward in this industry.The ability to ‘stand the heat’ also desirable….Other key skills include:
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Self-motivation
  • Good listening skills
  • The ability to take orders and follow instructions carefully
  • Calmness under pressure, especially in a busy kitchen environment

Explore your opportunities

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Kitchen Porter

1

Kitchen Porter

| Up to £14,000
2

Commis Chef

| Up to £24,000
3

Chef

| Up to £30,000

Get qualified as a Kitchen Porter

This is an entry level position in the catering industry, and as such there are no formal pre-requisites. However, basic food hygiene knowledge could be a distinct advantage for those just starting out.

Recommended Kitchen Porter courses

  • Level 1, 2 & 3 Diploma in Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering with HACCP & Food Allergen

    High Skills Training
    Last Updated 2024 | CPD Accredited | PDF Certificate | Expert tutor support | 14 day money back guarantee
    • 41 students
    • Online
    • 3.9 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Popular
    ★★★ 2500+ Positive Reviews from Satisfied Students! ★★★ 4-in-1 Level 1, 2 & 3 Diploma in Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering with HACCP & Food Allergen Bundle! Latest Updates [1st October 2024] Complies with UK food safety regulations, including FSA guidelines. FREE Mu …
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    £12 £19

  • Hospitality, Catering & Restaurant Management with Food Hygiene and Safety & Career Guide

    Training Express Ltd
    34 Courses Bundle | CPD Accredited | 34 Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate included | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 136 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 170 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ Ready to turn your passion for food and service into a successful career? Our Hospitality, Catering & Restaurant Management with Food Hygiene and Safety Bundle is your golden ticket to mast …
    £200

What's it like to be a Kitchen Porter?

"I finished school at 16, and really wanted to find a career that I cared about. I've always wanted to be a Chef, but wasn't sure this option was open to me. After a little research, I decided to work my way up in the industry, and that’s how I started out as a Porter. It’s not the most fashionable career, but I've learned so much from all the senior Chefs here that I know I made the right decision. I'm doing a few food hygiene courses, and get to help out with prepping when the restaurant is short staffed. I can’t wait for my career to progress, but there’s really no better way to learn."

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