At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve food, manage stock, and maintain a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team at our Training & Development centre in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 28 days leave, gym access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming all backgrounds; great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant kitchen while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a canteen or similar role; food hygiene training provided.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 25949 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen within our catering team section for a Permanent Catering Assistant, based at our Training & Development centre in Handsworth, Sheffield.
Location: SYFR Training and Development Centre, Handsworth, Sheffield S13 9QA
Hours: Part Time, 20 hours per week (Flexible working hours)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,949 per annum, pro rata (Grade 3) *To increase subject to national pay award negotiations for 2026.
The overall purpose of the role will be to undertake the preparation of food, serving of food, putting away stock and rotation of stock. There will also be general kitchen and dining room duties, including cleaning, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables. You will be expected to carry out food safety procedures. The role will include using a till and cash handling and reconciliation.
To be considered for this role you will have previous experience of working in a canteen or similar environment and be familiar with food allergies. Ideally you must possess the basic food hygiene certificate – if not, training will be provided.
Key duties will include:
- Preparation and serving of food
- General kitchen and dining room duties, including cleaning, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables.
- Carry out food safety procedures.
- Stock putting away and rotation.
- Using a till and cash handling and reconciliation.
Closing date for applications is 16:00 hours on 24 July 2026.
Benefits
We offer 28 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus Bank Holidays. Annual leave increases after 5 years’ service to 32 days, followed by an extra day a year up to a maximum of 37 days. We also operate a generous flexi time attendance scheme. All eligible corporate staff are auto-enrolled onto the Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions ranging from 5.5% to 12.5%. Other benefits include enhanced sick pay, access to free on-site gyms, a cycle 2 work scheme, access to emergency services discounts, enhanced maternity and paternity schemes and the opportunity to join the TransaveUK credit union.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups within our workforce, including individuals from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT+) and individuals with disabilities. We also support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours. All staff are expected to share commitments to safeguarding and promote welfare of Adults, Children and Young People.
Background Checks
Appointment is subject to successful pre-employment screening i.e. asylum and immigration checks, references, medical screening, and a minimum standard level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Enhanced checks will be carried out for roles that undertake ‘regulated activity’. No agencies please.
Catering Assistant employer: South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Join our dedicated catering team at the SYFR Training and Development Centre in Handsworth, Sheffield, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and employee well-being. Enjoy flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits including enhanced sick pay and access to on-site gyms, all while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment that values every team member's unique contributions. With opportunities for training and professional growth, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in a community-focused setting.
Contact Details:
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
