At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve delicious food in a friendly school environment.
- Company: Join a leading selective school with a supportive catering team.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, free parking, and access to a swimming pool.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a vibrant multicultural community.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers wanting to make a difference during term time.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking; experience in kitchens or retail is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in one of the country’s leading selective schools. Our friendly and supportive Catering team are looking to appoint a Catering Assistant to help prepare and serve food and beverages, as well as maintain a clean, hygienic kitchen and restaurant. The role would suit someone who is passionate about cooking, who would like to work in catering but with more sociable hours during term time.
The successful applicant will have an enthusiasm to learn and be able to work as part of a busy team, helping them to prepare high quality, nutritious food from scratch to an excellent standard. Experience of working in a kitchen, retail or cleaning environment is desirable but not essential. Training and support will be provided.
We offer a friendly, professional work environment with an experienced team and a contributory pension. The working pattern is between 9.30am and 2.00pm Monday to Thursday, term time only, including inset days, with additional hours for ad hoc events. Together with the TSAT benefits, we are able to offer free parking, ad hoc overtime opportunities, contributory pension, an Employee Assistance Programme and the use of our swimming pool during the summer months.
Colchester Royal Grammar School is an 11-18 school for boys and admits girls into a co-educational Sixth Form. It is one of very few state boarding schools, with a family style boarding house designed for 30 Sixth Form students. This adds to the multicultural community of the school, which also offers a wide range of trips, exchanges and extracurricular activities to enrich the students’ education. The school has outstanding music and drama facilities and a comprehensive sports fixture list.
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.
What our Trust will offer you:
- Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships at every level, we provide clear pathways for progression and exciting promotional opportunities across regions.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers. Enjoy reduced membership fees at our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes.
- Employee Recognition: Refer a Friend and TSTARS Staff Recognition Programme.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Blue Light Card: Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
If you are interested in working in our school, benefitting from a supportive network of staff across our Trust we would encourage you to apply. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. For an informal chat about this position please contact Julie Tompkins via email.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Catering Assistant in Colchester employer: TSAT
Colchester Royal Grammar School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With sociable working hours during term time, comprehensive health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for career advancement within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Additionally, unique benefits such as free parking, access to a swimming pool, and a range of exclusive discounts make this an attractive place to work for those passionate about making a positive impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Colchester
✨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 TSAT 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 in Colchester
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 TSAT 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 TSAT.
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 TSAT get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at TSAT
✨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 TSAT 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.
