About this role
We are currently offering a training and work experience opportunity through the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) to join our team. The Kitchen Assistant plays a vital support role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our kitchen. This position is crucial in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation, directly contributing to the quality and safety of our food service. This is a training role and the successful candidate will be guided by an experienced chef in a supportive and positive learning environment. They will be mentored and supported by experienced staff to learn new skills and develop an understanding of commercial kitchen operations. Training will include food preparation, safe food handling, and basic cookery skills under the guidance and supervision of our experienced chef. Areas of training and development: • Food Preparation Support: o Assist chefs with basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning vegetables and fruits. o Assist with the preparation of simple ingredients and assembly of basic dishes as instructed. o Organize and stock ingredients in designated areas, ensuring proper rotation (FIFO - First In, First Out). o Monitor stock levels of basic kitchen supplies and inform the Head Chef when replenishment is needed. o Assist with inventory counts as required. • Health & Safety Compliance: o Adhere strictly to all food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP principles). o Ensure proper use and storage of cleaning chemicals and equipment. o Report any equipment malfunctions or health and safety hazards immediately to a supervisor. • General Kitchen Assistance: o Support chefs and other kitchen staff with various tasks as needed to maintain smooth kitchen operations. o Maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude within the kitchen team. o Assist with setting up and breaking down kitchen stations. • Dishwashing and Cleaning: o Wash and sanitise all dishes, pots, pans, utensils, glassware, and kitchen equipment by hand or using commercial dishwashing machines. o Ensure all items are thoroughly cleaned, dried, and stored correctly in their designated places. o Regularly clean and sanitise kitchen surfaces, work areas, floors, walls, and equipment o Empty trash and recycling bins regularly, ensuring proper waste segregation.. This is a training and work experience opportunity; no prior experience in this role is necessary. Accredited and/or sector recognised training will be provided to support your placement. Participants are eligible to participate in the WPEP QQI Work Experience Module which was developed by the Education & Training Boards in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection. This optional module will fulfil your accredited training requirements for the WPEP Formal training: • Food Safety/HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point): This is perhaps the most crucial training. Anyone handling food in a professional kitchen in Ireland needs a basic food safety certificate. • Understanding foodborne illnesses and their causes • Proper handwashing techniques • Safe cooking and storage temperatures • Preventing cross-contamination • Cleaning and sanitizing procedures for equipment and surfaces • Identifying and controlling contamination hazards (biological, chemical, physical) • Personal hygiene standards for food handlers • Pest management • Manual Handling • Health and Safety Awareness Informal training: • Kitchen Layout and Equipment Familiarization: Learning where everything is stored (ingredients, tools, equipment) • How to safely and correctly use and clean various kitchen equipment • Basic Food Preparation • Maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen • Deep cleaning duties • Receiving and Storing Deliveries: Properly checking in food deliveries, ensuring quality, and storing items according to food hygiene regulations (e.g., FIFO - First In, First Out stock rotation) • Waste Management: Understanding proper waste segregation, disposal, and recycling protocols • Assisting with meal preparation and serving, sometimes involving light cooking tasks under guidance • Understanding Operational Procedures • Communication • Teamwork • Developing the ability to multitask and remain efficient during busy periods