Catering Technician - Maternity Cover

The Isle of Wight College; Newport; On-site; GBP 6,000 - 8,000; Part time

Job summary

A further education institution in England is seeking a Catering Technician to support the Hospitality and Catering team. This role involves preparing kitchens and managing equipment to ensure effective cookery sessions for students. With a fixed-term contract until August 2026, you will provide technical support, maintain equipment, and assist during practical lessons. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications in English and Maths along with a passionate attitude towards food and learning. Join a vibrant team dedicated to culinary education.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts for travel

Free access to on-site gym

Mental health resources

Qualifications

• Ability to support practical lessons with technical knowledge.
• Current working knowledge of equipment in hospitality.
• Willingness to adhere to health and safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials for curriculum delivery.
• Ensure safe storage of resources and equipment.
• Maintain equipment functionality and report issues.

Skills

Technical support

Organisational skills

Knowledge of health and safety legislation

Education

Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths

Level 3 Occupational qualification in a relevant area

Job description

Job Role: Catering Technician

Salary: £7806.89 pro rata

Contract: Fixed Term until August 31st 2026

Hours: 16 hours per week, term-time only 38 weeks per year

Love Food? Love Hospitality? Bring Your Passion to Life Behind the Scenes!

Are you someone who thrives in a fast‑paced kitchen environment and loves the buzz of hospitality?

Do you enjoy supporting others and making sure everything runs like clockwork?

We’re looking for a catering technician to join our vibrant Hospitality and Catering team at the Isle of Wight College. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll be the behind-the-scenes hero—prepping kitchens, managing equipment, and ensuring our aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals have everything they need to succeed.

From sharpening knives to setting up for service, your technical know-how and attention to detail will help bring our cookery sessions to life. You’ll work closely with lecturers and students, supporting practical lessons that are as creative as they are delicious.

If you’re organised, hands‑on, and passionate about food and learning, this could be the perfect role for you.

About The Role

You will provide technical support for a designated area of activity, ensuring equipment, materials and resources required by Lecturers, for the delivery of planned sessions to meet their needs, and the needs of the Curriculum area and students. You will support staff in the delivery of those sessions where the use of relevant equipment, materials and resources requires specialist technical support to aid both learning and effectiveness. This is a fixed‑term contract to 31st August 2026

Key Responsibilities

• To prepare materials and resources used within the curriculum to support its effective delivery, and to make sure they are available as required by curriculum delivery staff
• To ensure safe storage of all departmental resources and equipment
• To ensure equipment is in a fully functioning state at the beginning and end of each day, reporting any problems to the line manager
• To provide support to students, under the guidance of a Lecturer, in practical situations where specialist technical support is required to ensure safe learning, including the use of equipment
• To assist in the preparation of rooms and resources for the department

About you

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (or willing to work towards)
• Level 3 Occupational qualification in a relevant area
• Current working knowledge of materials, resources and equipment in a relevant area, and how they are maintained
• Ability to maintain and adhere to Health & Safety Legislation to secure a safe learner environment

What we can offer

Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work‑life balance and wellbeing.

The college offers excellent pension schemes including the Local Government Scheme and Teachers’ Pension Scheme, providing long‑term financial security.

For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on‑site gym. Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on‑site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.

Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources.

Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well‑being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

Here’s how to apply

To join us here at The Isle of Wight College hit ‘Apply’ now! You can also forward your CV to [e-mail]

The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high‑quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.

Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly.

The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer and Age Friendly Employer.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well‑being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.