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.

The Work

The duties of a catering assistant are often diverse and may vary depending on where they work, but they always need to provide a friendly and professional service to all customers.

The main task usually involves serving food to customers, often from behind a counter. They are also responsible for making sure that the counter areas and tables are kept clean, that there is an adequate supply of cutlery, crockery, glasses and trays available at all times, and that there is sufficient food on display and drinks in the drink machines.

Catering Assistants usually also spend some time in the wash-up area, filling the dishwasher and cleaning other kitchen utensils.

They also operate the cash register, and in some places, they are involved in basic food preparation.

There are two main types of catering: event catering which includes conferences and weddings for example; and catering establishments, which can be anything from a healthcare or education setting, to a golf club.

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.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

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.

This is an entry level job, where qualifications are not necessarily required. Experience, skills, and certification would give you an advantage over applicants without such experience.

Please note that to work in catering in the public health system (HSE) catering officer grading system in place. To read about the HSA eligibility criteria for catering staff click here.

Most employers require any staff handling, storing or serving food to have HACCP/food safety training completed. 

Some employers require that you have completed a Manual Handling certificate. 

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

Training & Development

As a catering assistant, there are a lot of opportunities for career development as you can progress to a catering supervisor and eventually catering manager.

Your best chance to progress on from a catering assistant position is by building up experience and by undertaking additional responsibilities, qualifications and training. You can explore courses and training to support your development in Catering Search our FET coursefinder 

There are further education courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in hospitality and event supervision and management which can help you progress in your career in our sector explorer Tourism & Hospitality sector.

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €33k

Salaries vary based on employer, duties, role, location, and experience.  rates vary between €11.50 - €14 per hour, or otherwise depending on employer agreement. 

Rates also depend on Industrial/ Corporate/ retail catering or Catering & Household. 

Data Source(s):
Excel Recruitment / Indeed.ie/ Talent.com

Last Updated: January, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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.

• Fáilte Ireland

  • Amiens Street, Dublin 1
  • (01) 884 7700
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• the Catering Management Association of Ireland

  • Click Here

• Food Safety Authority of Ireland

  • https://fsai.ie/
  • 1890 33 66 77
  • Click Here

• Irish Hospitality Institute

  • 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 662 4790
  • Click Here

• Restaurant's Association of Ireland

  • 11 Bridge Court, Citygate, St Augustine Street, Dublin 8
  • 01 6779901
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• the Irish Organic Association (IOA)

  • http://www.irishorganicassociation.ie/about/
  • 090 6433680
  • [email protected]