To progress in a kitchen brigade, first of all, a kitchen porter will be learning all the basics of working as part of a kitchen brigade. In addition, many KP’s have the opportunity to progress their way up the kitchen brigade. And into a commis chef position, and onto a chef de partie role.
This job can be a start to a rewarding in-demand career with the next step becoming an apprentice, commis or assistant depending on the person’s knowledge.
In addition, to work hard as a KP and show a keen interest in food and becoming a chef. In turn, a position may become available within the kitchen brigade as a chef.A kitchen porter’s main jobs, and duties will involve washing up pots and pans, cleaning, operating the dishwasher machine and possibly basic food preparation tasks. The porter will be working back of house of a restaurant. During busy periods, such as a Saturday evening service the kitchen porter will need to be well organised. And be able to work fast to keep the pots, metal trays and pans clean for the chefs.
Want To Skip Ahead?
- What Are The Duties Of A Kitchen Porter
- The Working Hours And Conditions
- How Much Does A Kitchen Porter Get Paid
- What Education Is Needed
- The Kitchen Porter Career Progression
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kitchen Porter?
A kitchen porter will need to be physically fit. As the KP will be standing for almost all of the day and be able to work in a team.
A kitchen porter will be a great first job in a kitchen brigade. In addition, anyone looking to get into a kitchen team and possibly have the opportunity to move up into a commis chef’s role.
What Are The Kitchen Porter’s Duties
A kitchen porter’s job description includes the washing of pots and pans. And is a crucial part of every kitchen to help the kitchen run smoothly.
Kitchen porters can be employed in a broad range of places where food is prepared and served to customers.
These may include hotels, restaurants, pubs and cruise ships.
The duties may include,
- Unloading and putting away stock correctly,
- Keeping the kitchen clean,
- Emptying bins,
- Sweeping and mopping floors.
The kitchen porter will make sure all the equipment is put away correctly, the washing up pans, and pots and operate the dishwasher machine.
It is possible that the porter will be responsible for basic tasks, such as: peeling onions during busy periods.
Working Hours And Working Conditions
- The usual working hours for a full-time KP job will be a 40-hour week.
- This may include weekends and public holidays, with possible extra hours available.
- A KP can work part-time or with an agency
- It can get hot in many kitchens due to the cooking equipment.
- Also, you may be working at a sink for long periods of time.
- Employers will provide clothing to work in, this may be a full uniform or a waterproof apron.
The Uniform
The work clothing for a kitchen porter will follow the rules of the business.
Basic Uniform / A Restaurant
A simple full frontal apron – Protective clothing for chemicals.
Full Uniform / A Luxury hotel
A smart branded top and trousers with an apron as needed.
All workplaces should provide protective clothing for using chemicals. The assistant will need to wear the correct clothing and eye protection for light and heavy cleaning duties.
How Much Does A Kitchen Porter Get Paid
A kitchen porter’s salary will usually start at the minimum wage, this changes from time to time. The minimum wage will depend on your age.
With over 25 years old’s getting the highest wage and apprentices and under 18’s getting a much lower hourly wage.
As with many catering jobs, your salary as a full-time member of the team will depend on your location. A kitchen porter’s salary is around £16000+ pounds.
The Qualifications And Education Needed
Qualifications are not needed to become a kitchen porter. Although a secondary education will be helpful with some grades at GCSE A-E.
You will need to have a command of English and be able to communicate effectively with the team. Also if you have any experience working in a kitchen, this can help to gain a KP job.
There are qualifications out there that can help with this. Due to the food preparation environment, a level 1 certificate in general cookery can be an advantage.
Personal Qualities And Progress In A Kitchen Brigade
There are a number of personal qualities that may help a kitchen porter to start a KP job and progress up a kitchen brigade.
These skills will include: Being comfortable with standing for long periods of time, being able to work fast, having effective communication skills, being comfortable with following instructions and remaining calm under pressure.
All of these skills are especially relevant when becoming a chef.
Where to Look For Jobs?
Since there are many jobs all over the UK in a broad range of places. A tip here will be to look for jobs as a KP where you have an interest in becoming a chef. Furthermore, these places include hotels, restaurants, and pubs.
If you are ambitious in your career and are looking for a good opportunity as a chef, look for jobs in 4-5 star hotels. And this will give you a better chance of success than taking a wash-up job in a village pub or a hospital.
The role is an essential job
It is a great starting point to learn about the professional kitchen and get the first foot in the door. Catering college is recommended to start a chef career but the KP route is a great alternative way in.
Frequently asked Questions For The KItchen Porter Role
What does a kitchen Porter Do?
A kitchen porter handles the tasks that supports the kitchen team. For example; cleaning kitchen equipment, washing dishes and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
What Skills Are Required To Be A Kitchen Porter?
Important skills include being reliable, hardworking, having great time management, attention detail. The ability to work in a fast paced hot environment.
Do I Need Qualifications To Be A Kitchen Porter?
A basic understanding of food hygiene and safety is an advantage. Many employers will offer training for this.
A Typical Working Schedule For A Kitchen Porter
The kitchen porter often works shifts including, weekends, early mornings, evenings and public holidays. Shift patterns all depend on the establishments.
Is The Job Physically Demanding?
Yes, you will be standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects and working in a hot busy environment.
What Is The Salary Of A Kitchen Porter?
The salary will depend on location and the establishment. The following websites are an accurate tool for latest salary expectations.
(Caterer.com)
(Talent.com)
(Totaljobs.com)
What Career Progression Opportunities Open Up?
By being dedicated and gaining experience the kitchen porter can move up to a kitchen assistant, commis chef or other positions in the hospitality industry.
The Difference Between A Kitchen Porter And Assistant
A kitchen porters focus will be mainly on maintaining hygiene and the cleaning. A kitchen assistant may also help with food preparation.
What Equipment And Tools Will I Use As A Kitchen Porter?
Standard equipment will include dishwashers, mops, cleaning supplies, brushes and occasionally kitchen utensils for basic food prep.
What Are The Key Challenges Of The Role?
Challenges include, working under pressure, managing time effectively during busy shifts, and maintaining high hygiene standards in a busy hot working environment.
