At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation, service, and maintain kitchen cleanliness while engaging with customers.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Bedford College, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension, discounts, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time contract, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable catering experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and food preparation is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28482 - 28482 £ per year.
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £26,510 and £28,482 per annum (Pro‑Rata) DOE and Qualifications, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 30 hours per week – 36 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role
- Food Preparation & Service Support: Assist with food preparation, cooking, and serving, ensuring a professional, friendly service and supporting hospitality and special events.
- Kitchen & Facility Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and dining areas, including washing equipment, deep cleaning, and ensuring facilities are safe and well‑presented.
- Stock & Operational Support: Support stock control, deliveries, and storage, while assisting with financial transactions and adhering to operational procedures.
- Customer Service & Engagement: Provide a welcoming environment, handle customer queries and complaints effectively, and contribute to promotions and sales initiatives.
- Compliance & Professional Standards: Uphold food hygiene, health & safety, safeguarding, and EDI requirements, maintaining professionalism, reliability, and flexibility in the role.
About you
- Customer Service & Transaction Handling: Experience in customer care and handling payments using POS/PDQ systems, delivering a professional and friendly service.
- Catering & Food Preparation Skills: Knowledge and experience in food preparation and cooking, maintaining high standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene.
- Operational & IT Skills: Competent in IT systems (Word, Excel, Outlook), with an understanding of health & safety procedures in a catering environment.
- Work Ethic & Team Contribution: Ability to multitask, follow instructions, work effectively in a fast‑paced team environment, and demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm.
- Flexibility & Physical Capability: Adaptable to varying hours and service demands, capable of lifting tasks, and committed to continuous learning and development.
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Catering Assistant in Bedford employer: Bedford ESOL
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the professional and personal development of its staff. As a Catering Assistant at our Cauldwell Street Campus, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, access to college courses, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement, all while contributing to the success of our students in a vibrant educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Bedford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bedford ESOL. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bedford ESOL
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bedford ESOL directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bedford ESOL and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford ESOL
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
