At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare delicious meals and ensure a hygienic kitchen environment.
- Company: Be part of the Education Authority, promoting healthy eating in schools.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to develop your culinary skills.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through nutritious meals and teamwork.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in food preparation or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
To assist the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in all activities concerned with the preparation and cooking of meals. Team participation is essential to provide an efficient hygienic service, to achieve customer satisfaction and to promote sales within the unit.
Responsibilities
- Skilled cooking activities connected with the full range of meals (for example, assist with the preparation of menus, portion control, the provision of special dietary meals and function catering where appropriate).
- Assist with record keeping, control of hygiene, health and safety in the kitchen including recording of temperatures and the direction and/or shared supervision of other employees.
- Undertake operational control of service points including transported meals.
- Associated administrative duties as required which may include assistance with the planning of meals, stock‑taking, including the organisation of stores and fridges and receipt of deliveries.
- General kitchen management in the absence of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor.
- Shared supervision of other employees.
- Training of staff.
- Cash handling duties where appropriate.
- Assist in the promotion of the service to parents, principals and customers to increase the uptake.
- General kitchen duties as required which may include washing up, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables, cleaning of the kitchen, dining room surrounds and equipment.
- Securing of premises as required.
- Duties as delegated in connection with service provision.
Skills and Qualifications
- Hold either NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking, City & Guilds 706‑1 & 706‑2 or equivalent or higher relevant qualification, or two years’ experience of food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.
- Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
- Ability to communicate and engage effectively with others as part of a team and with customers.
Compensation and Hours
- Salary: £14.99 to £15.74 per hour
- Weekly hours: 30
Further Information
The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer. Location: Abbey Community College, Newtownabbey.
Cook in Newtownabbey employer: Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Contact Detail:
Education Authority (Northern Ireland) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! If you can, pop by the place you're applying to and chat with the team. It shows you're keen and helps you get a feel for their style.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of your culinary creations. It’s a tasty way to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk teamwork! Since this role is all about collaboration, think of examples where you've worked well with others in a kitchen setting. We love to hear about that!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate cooks like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your cooking qualifications and experience in your application. We want to see how your skills match up with the responsibilities listed, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary talents!
Team Spirit is Key: Since teamwork is essential for this role, share examples of how you've worked well with others in the kitchen. We love seeing candidates who can communicate effectively and contribute to a positive team environment.
Keep It Clean: Mention your knowledge of hygiene and safety practices, like HACCP. We take cleanliness seriously, so showing that you understand these protocols will definitely give you an edge in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
✨Know Your Cooking Basics
Brush up on your cooking skills and be ready to discuss your experience with meal preparation, portion control, and special dietary needs. Be prepared to share specific examples of meals you've cooked or menus you've helped plan.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples where you’ve successfully worked with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Hygiene is Non-Negotiable
Familiarise yourself with HACCP principles and be ready to discuss how you maintain hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen. You might even want to mention any specific practices you follow to ensure food safety.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in the kitchen. Think about how you would handle busy service times, manage stock, or train new staff, and be ready to share your thought process.