Catering Roles To Consider…
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantAre you looking to discover a
career within the catering industry? Well, join us as we delve into the many
opportunities available within the hospitality industry. The vast range of
opportunities available is something which continues to appeal to new recruits,
offering a whole host of challenges and opportunities.
Catering
Manager
The catering industry is an intensely social sector to work in. Catering
is a the backbone to many large conferences, parties, weddings and other
events. Nowadays, catering can be used to create unique experiences for a whole
host of purposes, and as a catering manager you can be as creative as you want
in this sense.
From making contacts in the right places, to securing a catering plan
that will make people’s big events as memorable as possible, the job is
extremely varied. This role relies heavily upon communication, initiative and
leadership, as well as the ability to think outside of the box. You’ll be at
the helm of brining together one-in-a-lifetime events for your clients, and no
two days will be the same as a catering manager. Daily, you could be required
to organise shifts and rotas, recruit and train staff, meet suppliers and
negotiate contracts, cater for dietary requirements and plan various budgets.
o
Getting started
Many hotels and venues are looking increasingly to provide their own,
innovative training schemes in order to attract more people into internal
roles. In fact, numerous hotels near Alnwick Gardens offer these initiatives, as the
catering industry continues to grow. Many catering managers start off as
graduates or on an entry-level scheme,
learning on the job and attending courses in order to gain the relevant
qualifications.
It is certainly worthwhile looking into such establishments in your
location, finding out where these schemes are available. Experience is
favoured, even if it is just in the form of a generic events management/
catering role. Apprenticeships to pursue for a role as a catering manager will
be focused on management, and a college courses to consider is the Higher
National Diploma in Hospitality Management.
o
Pay expectations and working hours
A new starter can expect a wage of anywhere in the region of £19,000,
and an experienced catering manager can earn up to £40,000 depending on
location. The hours for this role are slightly more than any typical catering
position, working up to 41-43 hours per week. It can be demanding, and often
working patterns will fall on weekends and can include bank holidays.
Food technologist/ food scientist
As a food technologist, you will essentially become the equivalent of
Willy Wonka — which will make for a great response when people ask what it is
that you do at parties! This is one of the most interesting roles in the
production side of the catering industry, wherein you’ll be responsible for
devising and testing new flavours, products and ensuring safe consumption.
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of exactly what they eat,
and this is being incorporated into the production line, testing and labelling
these ‘zero fat’ and ‘high protein’ products that have become commonplace in
supermarket aisles.
Alternatives such as vegan chocolate are also becoming increasingly
popular. You’ll also be involved in
investing new ways to keep food fresh, attractive and safe, as well as finding
ways to cut costs and save time in production. Along with blending new recipes,
experimenting and creating sample products, you might also design the
manufacturing machinery.
o
Getting started
A degree is a common route into either of these roles, but
apprenticeships and workplace progression can also lead to a position as a food
scientist. Relevant higher education awards include food science, food studies
and food technology. Chemistry and nutrition can also lend themselves to
securing a role as a food technologist or scientist, but overall some hands-on
experience is always invaluable. Other options include the food technologist
advanced apprenticeship, and progression from this could lead to a food
industry technical professional degree apprenticeship. Those in employment can
work towards these roles, in positions such as a lab assistant or a food
technician, gaining qualifications while employed.
o
Pay expectations and working hours
A working week could range from 39-41 hours, and a starting wage is
around £20,000, rising to anywhere around £45,000 for those with experience.
These roles might involve shift work, and this is predominantly during the
evening.
Food
manufacturing inspector
With an increasing emphasis on
allergies and manufacturing practice, the food inspector industry is thriving.
Many food and beverage companies have placed a lot of focus onto their health
and safety departments for this reason, and as a food manufacturing inspector,
you’ll be at the forefront of these all-important processes. Your day to day duties could
include inspecting conditions in processing plants, carrying out quality
control checks, testing samples of raw ingredients and processed products,
presenting results and interpreting data, ensuring that practices meet the
required standards, checking labelling is sufficient, producing quality reports
and advising manufacturers on how to improve, as well as issuing warning
notices if standards are not being met. The training processes relating to
these roles is meticulous, due to the complexity of the work.
o Getting started
To get started on your career path, GCSE education or an equivalent
certificate is usually a requirement, but candidates could also pursue various
apprenticeships. The level 2 award in food catering certificate, or a level 3
award in supervising food safety in catering are options to look out for.
College curse such as the Level 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Operations is also
recommended, providing a combination of taught work and hands-on experience.
Candidates could apply directly to a vacancy or gain experience in the field
then progress through an existing position.
o Pay expectations and working hours
At entry level, a starting wage in this role can be around the
£15,000, and an experienced professional can expect up to £30,000. The typical
hours are set between 40-42 per week, and the role can involve being on call.
For this reason, a driving license can prove advantageous.
So, could your next role be within the catering industry?
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Created on Dec 19th 2019 05:40. Viewed 448 times.