At a Glance
- Tasks: Support chefs in creating nutritious meals for those in need.
- Company: Join Serco at Yarl’s Wood, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Free meals, onsite training, and overtime pay at time and a half.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-energy kitchen that values care and dignity.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fast-paced kitchen and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Join Serco at Yarl’s Wood, where your kitchen experience can have real purpose – helping to provide dignity, care, and stability through nutritious meals to people in a challenging time of their lives. This is a busy, high‑energy environment that’s ideal if you thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen. You’ll fit right in if you’ve worked as a kitchen assistant, catering assistant, kitchen crew member or kitchen team member.
You’ll benefit from:
- Free onsite parking
- Free staff meals every shift
- Uniform provided
- Comprehensive onsite training
- Overtime paid at time and a half
What you’ll do as a Kitchen Assistant in our team:
- Support chefs in preparing varied menus, including special diets and culturally appropriate meals
- Ensure food safety and hygiene regulations are strictly followed
- Safely manage food storage, delivery and waste disposal
- Record food production in line with HACCP, allergen controls and audit standards
- Participate in quality checks and hospitality services
- Understand and support safety, safeguarding and security procedures
What you’ll need:
- Experience in a catering or kitchen setting (fast‑paced food service environment)
- Food Safety Level 2 or 3 (or willingness to gain this)
- Knowledge of HACCP and allergen procedures
- Good teamwork, communication and basic computer skills
- Full UK driving licence (essential due to location)
What we offer:
- Pension up to 6%
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Chance to contribute to innovation in public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- A Serco benefits portal offering a wide range of discounts for major high‑street brands in Retail, Leisure and Hospitality
- Access to employee networks that support inclusion and connection, empowering diverse groups including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans and people from all cultural backgrounds
We support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the Ban the Box pledge (some roles may be exempt due to security requirements). As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. We are open to flexible working arrangements where possible and will make reasonable adjustments from interview through to employment.
Catering Assistant in Bedford employer: Serco Limited
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, particularly for those in the catering sector at Yarl’s Wood. Our vibrant work culture fosters teamwork and inclusivity, while our comprehensive training and development opportunities ensure that you can grow your skills in a meaningful way. With benefits like free meals, onsite parking, and a commitment to diversity, you'll find a rewarding environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Serco and understand their values, especially around dignity and care. This will help you connect your experience to their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your kitchen skills! If you’ve got experience in a fast-paced environment, think of specific examples where you thrived under pressure. Be ready to share these stories when you chat with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like working at Yarl’s Wood.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Kitchen Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in a kitchen or catering environment. We want to see how your experience aligns with the fast-paced nature of our team at Yarl’s Wood.
Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge:If you have a Food Safety Level 2 or 3, shout about it! If not, let us know you're willing to gain this qualification. It shows you're serious about maintaining high standards in food safety and hygiene.
Be Yourself in the Application:We love authenticity! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share why you’re passionate about providing nutritious meals and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Limited
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with HACCP and allergen procedures, as these are crucial in a catering role. Showing that you understand these concepts will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with chefs and other kitchen staff, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate that you can thrive under pressure.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, like managing food storage or dealing with dietary restrictions. Think through your past experiences and be ready to provide practical solutions that align with the job description.
✨Express Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and providing quality meals shine through. Talk about what motivates you in a kitchen setting and how you can contribute to creating nutritious meals for those in need. This personal touch can make a lasting impression.
