At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our catering team to serve delicious food and create a welcoming dining experience.
- Company: Durham Sixth Form Centre, part of the Providence Learning Partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of an Investors in People Platinum organisation with great career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while working in a vibrant café culture.
- Qualifications: Energetic, team player with a passion for food safety and student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We require an enthusiastic, hardworking and motivated Catering Assistant to work as part of our superb catering team to provide a variety of high-quality hot and cold food to our students and staff body. At Durham Sixth Form Centre, part of Providence Learning Partnership, we recognise that a welcoming dining experience and a well-fuelled school community are essential to a successful day of learning.
Our busy café spaces take great pride in serving up an incredibly popular daily menu featuring fresh sandwiches, hot toasties, pizza wraps, sausage rolls, jacket potatoes, confectionery and hot and cold drinks. We also feature a rotating daily special packed with student favourites—from nachos and hot beef sandwiches to chicken and classic beef burgers. This support staff role is an integral part of our daily operation, contributing behind the scenes to ensure there is a fast, efficient infrastructure that directly supports the busy lifestyle choices, happiness, and day-to-day wellbeing of our 1,800 post-16 learners.
What makes this role exciting?
- Be part of an Outstanding Team: Work collaboratively in a modern, fast-paced kitchen infrastructure alongside experienced catering colleagues who genuinely care about high standards.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy predictable, term-time hours (10:00 am to 2:45 pm) with no weekend commitments. Please note this role includes occasional evening hours to support our Open Evening events and parents evenings.
- Organisational Culture: Join a workplace recognised as an Investors in People Platinum organisation, where support staff are empowered, highly respected and integrated fully into our success.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is energetic, positive and works excellently as part of a team under pressure.
- Maintains exceptional personal hygiene, food safety standards and punctuality.
- Brings a proactive spirit, a sense of humour and a “can-do” approach to a busy service.
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of personal boundaries and a passion for safeguarding the welfare of young adults.
Why choose us?
- Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
- We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
- Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
- Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
This role is perfect for an energetic individual who enjoys variety and wants to be a key part of the vibrant café culture that fuels our student body every day. If you want a role where your hard work directly impacts campus morale, we look forward to receiving your application.
We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
How to Apply Next Steps: We look forward to receiving your application. Please ensure you submit both the Application Form and a Letter of Application (no more than 1,000 words). You can find the relevant downloads and the submission link at the top of this page.
Durham Sixth Form Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Catering Assistant in North East employer: Durhamsixthformcentre
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, part of the esteemed Providence Learning Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an outstanding employer that values our staff as much as our students. With a supportive work culture recognised by Investors in People Platinum, we offer term-time hours that promote a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities for personal development and career progression. Join our dedicated catering team in the heart of Durham, where your contributions will directly enhance the dining experience and overall wellbeing of our vibrant student community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in North East
✨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 Durhamsixthformcentre. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Durhamsixthformcentre
Don't be shy about reaching out to Durhamsixthformcentre 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 North East
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 Durhamsixthformcentre 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 Durhamsixthformcentre
✨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!
