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kitchen hand
Working as a kitchen-hand is a good stepping stone to a career in the hospitality industry, presenting all sorts of opportunities to move into other types of jobs within the industry. For kitchen-hands, work is available in many different types of businesses including hotels, motels, restaurants and cafes.
What would I do?
A kitchen-hand’s main tasks are to ensure a ready supply of clean crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils, which includes washing up either by hand or using a dishwasher. You would also be required to assist in the initial preparation of foodstuffs and some meals, and the storage of foods. Other tasks include maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in all areas of the kitchen, for example benches and floors, and the disposal of waste and other rubbish. Other responsibilities may include organising laundering of linen.
What training do I need?
There are no formal training requirements to work as a kitchen-hand in the hospitality industry however a Certificate I in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) would help you develop the basic skills to work as a kitchen-hand.
What personal attributes do I need?
The personal attributes you need to work as a kitchen-hand include:
- The ability to work as part of a team
- A high level of personal cleanliness and hygiene
- A willingness to learn and to follow instructions
- The ability to work quickly and safely under pressure in
a sometimes hot, noisy, environment
- A responsible attitude to industry health and safety
regulations
How much can I earn?
Kitchen hands working full-time usually earn approximately $550 per week before tax, but generally, how much you earn would depend on how many hours you work each week.
How many hours can I expect to work in a week?
Many kitchen-hands are employed on a part-time or casual basis. Hours of work offered may be long and also involve split shifts, where employees are required to work, for example over the lunch period and then return to cover the dinner shift.
What are my employment prospects?
Employment prospects for kitchen-hands are good with employers always looking for reliable kitchen-hands.
How do I find a job as a Kitchen-Hand?
If you have access to the internet go to www.discoverjobs.com.au, this a website dedicated to helping you find employment in the hospitality industry. Or you could approach businesses in the areas you’d like to work in and ask to talk to them about employing you. Leave your CV, which should include your workplace achievements and experience and contact details. Make sure you follow up your initial approaches.