Catering Assistant

East Lancashire Learning Group; Accrington; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Accrington is seeking a Catering Assistant to join their catering team on a part-time basis (25 hours/week). The ideal candidate will assist with food preparation, meal service, and general kitchen duties while ensuring adherence to food hygiene and safety standards. Must have at least 4 GCSEs including Maths and English, excellent customer service skills, and experience in a high-volume catering environment. The role offers benefits like a workplace pension and various health and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Access to workplace pension scheme

Enhanced occupational sick pay

Health and wellbeing benefits

Recognition scheme

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy, high-volume catering operation.
• Suitability to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, cooking, and service in the Refectory/Canteen.
• Ensure correct portion control and service of meals.
• Maintain cleanliness and prepare the dining area.
• Adhere to Health and Safety and COSHH procedures.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Understanding of food hygiene requirements

Teamwork

Education

4 GCSEs including grade C/4 in Maths and English

Basic food hygiene certificate

Job description

Overview

Catering Assistant position at East Lancashire Learning Group. Location: Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College. Salary: £14,006.40 per annum (£24,734.48 full-time equivalent) with pay award pending. Hours: 25 per week. Weeks per year: 38. Contract: Permanent. This role is part of the catering/food service team and is on a part-time, term-time basis. Closing date: Midnight Sunday 11 January 2026. Interview date: Wednesday 21 January 2026.

What You Will Be Doing

• Assist the catering team with the preparation, cooking and service arrangements within the Refectory/Canteen
• Assist with the serving of meals, ensuring correct portion control
• Assist with general kitchen duties including cleaning and preparing the dining area
• Ensure all procured food and supplies are of a quality standard
• Ensure adherence to Health and Safety and COSHH procedures related to food, equipment, materials and general safety

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including grade C/4 in Maths and English and a basic food hygiene certificate
• Experience of working in a busy, high-volume catering operation
• Excellent customer service skills
• Comprehensive understanding of COSHH and food hygiene requirements
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Suitability to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults

What We Offer in Return

• Access to a workplace pension scheme with employer contributions
• Enhanced occupational sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards
• Free on-site parking on all College sites

How to Apply

Please visit the East Lancashire Learning Group careers page to apply online. Applications must be submitted via the official website.

Important Information

Note: All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children. If you have questions, please contact the HR team.