Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)- from: Youtube Search
- Kitchen Assistant- from: iCould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Working Life
Kitchen porters, or assistants, help chefs with the simpler, routine jobs in the kitchen.
Keeping the kitchen clean is a large part of the job. This includes washing up the crockery and cutlery used by the customers. Some of the washing up may be done in a dishwasher, but the pots and pans are usually done by hand. It is also important to keep work surfaces tidy and clean.
Kitchen assistants also have responsibility for disposing of the rubbish and compost in a hygienic way. In some kitchens, the assistant might also help with basic cooking. They may help to prepare food and dishes, performing tasks such as chopping, slicing, peeling and making sandwiches. They might also do things like polishing glass and silverware, and helping to unload food deliveries and put them away in a store room.
Although kitchen porter/assistant may be a low-ranking role in a restaurant, some of the world’s top chefs have started their careers as porters. It is also an important job, as it is difficult to run a kitchen without efficient kitchen porters.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Clean and sanitise work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
- Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freesers.
- Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
- Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
- Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.
- Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.
- Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Further Information
- Kitchen Assistant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Kitchen Porter- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
You need to be fit and have a lot of stamina as you'll spend most of your time standing, lifting and carrying. Kitchens are often hot, steamy and noisy, so you need to be able to handle that environment.
You'll need to cope with messy and repetitive jobs, but be flexible enough to do whatever you are asked to do. Personal hygiene is very important as the job involves handling food.
Interests - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
This is an entry-level position which usually does not require training or experience, although any experience of similar roles will be looked at favourably.
Key Skill Certs:
HACCP/Food safety HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point, and refers to procedures you must put in place to ensure the food you produce is safe.
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: food preparation, culinary arts, cookery, chef.
Search for FET Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Professional organisations sometimes offer training or promote training providers.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €31k
Average hourly wage of between 12.70 and 13.50, Salaries vary by employer, location, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Excel Recruitment/ Indeed/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Catering and kitchen assistants; kitchen porters; crew members (fast food outlet).
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment has grown annually for this occupation since 2020, with employment levels in 2022 returning to pre-COVID-19 levels. Two-thirds of persons employed worked part-time and 46% were aged 15-24 years. There was a very high number of recent job hires for this occupation indicating that job churn is a significant factor.
There was also a high volume of jobseekers registered with DSP in December 2022 who were previously employed in catering occupations. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancies were primarily for roles in catering companies and fast-food outlets. The high volume of recruitment demand for this occupation is most likely related to a significant level of job churn.
Useful Contacts - Kitchen Porter (Kitchen Assistant)
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Fáilte Ireland
-
Restaurant's Association of Ireland
- 11 Bridge Court, Citygate, St Augustine Street, Dublin 8
- 01 6779901
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Hospitality Institute
- 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
- (01) 662 4790
- Click Here
