At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and deliver excellent customer service in a vibrant college environment.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, discounts, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team and a focus on continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in catering.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and knowledge of food hygiene is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28482 - 28482 £ per year.
Location: Biggleswade
Salary: Between £26,510 and £28,482 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and Qualifications
Expires: 10/08/2026 23:59
Role: Catering Assistant
Location: Shuttleworth College – Old Warden 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: 25 hours per week – 36 weeks per year – Monday to Friday 09.30 – 14.30
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 Delivery - Assist with the preparation, cooking, presentation, and service of food and beverages, ensuring customers receive a high-quality, professional, and courteous service at all times.
- Kitchen Operations & Resource Management - Support the day-to-day operation of catering facilities through stock control, delivery checks, hospitality support, equipment use, and ensuring resources are available and maintained effectively.
- Customer Service & Sales Support - Create a welcoming environment for customers and visitors, handle enquiries and complaints professionally, support promotional activities and theme days, and contribute to the College’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Health, Safety & Food Hygiene Compliance - Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene, and safe working practices, ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations and supporting the safe operation of kitchen and dining facilities.
- Teamwork & Professional Standards - Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain punctuality and professional presentation, provide flexible support during busy periods, and uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity, and continuous professional development requirements.
About You
- Customer Service & Transaction Handling - Experience delivering excellent customer service, processing payments through POS and PDQ systems, and maintaining professional interactions with customers in a busy catering environment.
- Food Preparation, Catering & Health & Safety Knowledge - Knowledge and experience of food preparation, basic cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and catering health & safety requirements, with a strong understanding of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- IT, Teamwork & Operational Skills - Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to follow instructions, multitask effectively, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and contribute positively as part of a team.
- Flexibility & Physical Capability - Adaptable approach to working hours and service demands, with the ability to undertake frequent lifting tasks and support catering operations across a range of activities and events.
- Personal Attributes & Professional Development - Demonstrates drive, initiative, enthusiasm, and reliability, with a commitment to continuous learning, skills development, and maintaining high standards of performance and professionalism.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: TBC
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.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
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. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Catering Assistant in Biggleswade employer: Central Bedfordshire College
Central Bedfordshire College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. Located at the Wellingborough Campus, staff benefit from a collaborative environment where they can make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying competitive salaries and job security.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Biggleswade
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Central Bedfordshire College
Don't be shy about reaching out to Central Bedfordshire College 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 Biggleswade
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 Central Bedfordshire College 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 Central Bedfordshire College
✨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!
