At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve delicious meals in a vibrant college environment.
- Company: Be part of East Lancashire Learning Group, known for excellence in teaching and learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to grow in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing exceptional dining experiences for students and staff.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus a basic food hygiene certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Salary: £13.35 per hour
Hours: Varied
Working Weeks: 38 per year
Contract Type: Casual
Site: Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College
Closing Date: Midnight – Wednesday 4 March 2026
Interview Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Our Organisation
This role is advertised by ELLG Professional Services. Part of East Lancashire Learning Group, ELLG Professional Services provides expert business support services to the wider Group. East Lancashire Learning Group is made up of three merged colleges: Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning. The Group is a beacon for teaching and learning excellence. It is an innovative provider; a research hub for teaching and learning, with a clear ambition to deliver the best possible experience and outcomes for learners.
The Exciting Role
Are you enthusiastic, customer focused and passionate about great food service? We are looking for a dedicated Catering Assistant to join our Refectory team on a casual basis. The successful candidate will help to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our students, staff and visitors by picking up cover duties where required. As a member of our Catering team, you will support with the preparation, cooking and service of meals within our busy Refectory. You will help create a welcoming environment, ensuring every customer enjoys a friendly and efficient service. The role will be based across our Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College campuses.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Assist the catering team with the preparation, cooking and service arrangements within the Refectory/Canteen
- Assist with the serving of meals, ensuring correct portion control
- Assist with general kitchen duties including cleaning and preparing the dining area
- Ensure all procured food and supplies are of a quality standard
- Ensure adherence to all procedures related to Health and Safety and COSHH regulations with regard to food, equipment, materials and general safety
What We Are Looking For:
- Minimum of 4 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) including grade C/4 in Maths and English and a basic food hygiene certificate
- Experience of working within a busy, high volume, catering operation
- Excellent customer service skills
- Comprehensive understanding of COSHH and food hygiene requirements
- Possess excellent communication and relationship building skills
- Suitability to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults
What We Offer in Return:
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support
- Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards
- Free on-site parking on all College sites
Please visit the Careers section on our website for full details of our benefits.
How to Apply:
If you’re interested in this post and would like to know more, then please visit our website and follow the steps to apply online.
Further questions: please contact our friendly HR Team.
*Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website*
Please note: All of our posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children. Should you wish to discuss this further, please get in touch with the HR team.
Catering Assistant in Nelson employer: East Lancashire Learning Group
At East Lancashire Learning Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values every team member's contribution. As a Catering Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional service in our vibrant college community. With opportunities for personal growth and development, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and staff alike.
Contact Details:
East Lancashire Learning Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Nelson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research ELLG Professional Services and its colleges. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and answers with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Catering Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When heading to your interview, make sure you look presentable and professional. First impressions matter, especially in a customer-focused role like this one, so put your best foot forward!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. It’s a great way to remind them of your interest and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Nelson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Service:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for great food service shine through. Share any experiences you've had in catering or customer service that highlight your dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your relevant skills, like your understanding of food hygiene and customer service, to show us you're the perfect fit for our Catering Assistant role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications submitted via our website. So, make sure to follow the steps outlined there to ensure your application gets to us without a hitch!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lancashire Learning Group
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, portion control, and customer service. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing an exceptional dining experience, be ready to share examples of how you've delivered great customer service in the past. Think of specific situations where you went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you're up to speed with basic food hygiene practices and COSHH regulations. You might be asked about these during the interview, so having a solid understanding will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality in the kitchen.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team you'll be working with or how the catering department ensures a welcoming environment. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
