About this role
We’re offering a work experience opportunity for a Kitchen Assistant who is eager to learn the inner workings of a busy kitchen and the hospitality business. The candidate will complete both theoretical and practical learning to support the kitchen team and develop core kitchen skills. The participant will receive practical training in a professional kitchen environment, supporting the team with basic food preparation, kitchen organisation, cleaning, storage, and simple menu preparation tasks. Over the 6-month placement, the participant will: - Learn how to complete for all kitchen porter tasks such as; dishwashing, deep cleaning kitchen equipment, waste management, keeping the kitchen floors and work areas clean and safe - Assist the kitchen team with food preparation and basic cooking tasks - Learn kitchen procedures, including opening and closing routines - Support with cleaning and maintaining hygiene standards - Help with stock rotation and storage how to complete it and its importance within the kitchen - Understand and follow health & safety procedures - Gain experience working in a busy, team-oriented kitchen environment Main training areas will include: Food Preparation • Basic chopping, peeling, slicing and portioning skills • Preparing vegetables, fruit, salads and garnish items • Weighing, measuring and organising ingredients • Preparing items for breakfast, brunch and lunch service • Learning how to follow prep lists and kitchen instructions Kitchen Prep & Menu Support • Pancake preparation and cooking • Sandwich preparation and assembly • Basic brunch preparation • Preparing simple sauces, fillings and toppings • Supporting chefs with daily prep before service • Learning portion control and presentation standards Food Storage & Stock Organisation • Correct food storage procedures • Labelling, dating and rotating food items • Vacuum packing prepared food items • Organising fridges, dry stores and prep areas • Understanding basic stock control and waste reduction Cleaning & Kitchen Hygiene • Cleaning kitchen surfaces and workstations • Keeping prep stations clean, tidy and organised • Washing and storing utensils, containers and equipment • Following kitchen cleaning schedules • Learning safe food handling and hygiene standards Kitchen Organisation & Teamwork • Setting up clean workstations before service • Organising prep areas during quiet periods • Supporting chefs during busy service times • Learning how to work safely and efficiently in a kitchen • Communicating clearly with kitchen and front-of-house staff. 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. Accredited / Sector-Recognised Training: As part of the WPEP training plan, the participant will complete approximately 20 hours of accredited or sector-recognised training. This is expected to be a three- to four-day HACCP / food safety course /Barista course or similar recognised food safety training. Informal Training: The remaining training hours will be delivered through supervised on-the-job training in the kitchen. This will include practical demonstrations, shadowing experienced staff, supervised prep work, cleaning routines, food storage practice, and gradual involvement in simple kitchen production tasks.