How to get into Catering in Healthcare

If you’re looking for a new job or are wondering how to get into catering in healthcare, keep reading for our insider knowledge on the roles in healthcare.

To enter the NHS as a cook or chef, you need a catering qualification, usually at level 2 or 3. Most employers also expect catering experience. For example, some cooks or chefs enter the NHS as catering assistants and take qualifications while they are working. There are no set entry requirements for catering assistants.

Many roles

You can apply for many roles, and entry-level ones can be a good starting point to begin a new career. Some catering assistants work in the kitchen preparing food or washing up. Others serve food at the counter in the staff restaurant or visitors’ café. Some assistants take trolleys of hot food, serving patients meals. Assisting with the preparation and serving of all meals and beverages to customers. Ensuring that the kitchen and service areas are clean and tidy. Ensuring health and safety regulations are followed.

Catering Assistant

A catering assistant (also known as a kitchen assistant or kitchen porter) cleans kitchens. They also take care of all aspects of hygiene and help prepare food and serve it to customers.

Catering Manager

As a catering manager, the tasks and responsibilities may consist of

• Recruit, train and manage staff
• Make sure all services meet health and safety and food hygiene standards
• Plan menus to take into account nutritional standards and medical requirements. For example Low-fat, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc
• Arrange staff rotas
• Control budgets
• Order and control stock
• Supervise catering staff to make sure that meals are prepared and served correctly and that Supplies are available and carefully used
• Liaising with dietitians and dietetic assistants to plan meals for patients on special diets.
• Work with chefs and cooks to plan menus

If you join the NHS as a catering manager you will be given the training you need to introduce you to the department and its systems and procedures. Therefore, you are likely to have opportunities to take further qualifications which may include apprenticeships. Also, you may be expected to go on short courses. Based on particular topics such as special diets to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.

Now you have learnt how to get into catering in healthcare, take the next step and contact our team to learn more about the roles within the healthcare sector and the range of catering branches.