Back to Career Guides

How to become a Kitchen Porter

Kitchen Porter jobs

Kitchen Porter courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Kitchen Porter

Kitchen Porter

| Up to £14,000

Commis Chef

| Up to £24,000

Chef

| Up to £30,000

The role of 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

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."

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

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
- Compare
- Online
- 136 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 170 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ [Updated 2025] 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 …
£200
Kitchen Assistant - Culinary Fundamentals and Techniques

Training Express Ltd

10 Courses Combo | CPD Accredited | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate included | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 50 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 100 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ Picture yourself in the bustling heart of a kitchen, where the aromas of freshly prepared food fill the air and every dish is a creation in the making. The culinary world is an exciting place, fu …
£49.99