What skills do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen? Whether you’re moving between Mitchells and Butlers brands or teams, or looking for an exciting new role, there are plenty of kitchen assistant skills that can set you up for success. And if you’re wondering “What does a kitchen assistant do?”, check out our blog on that too!

When you join an M&B kitchen team, you’ll become immersed in the opportunities, structure, and camaraderie that pave the way for a thrilling journey of growth, collaboration, and endless possibilities. And hey, you might even pick up some kitchen slang along the way.

Setting off on a culinary adventure as one of our kitchen assistants requires more than just a love for food - it needs a varied skill set that includes effective communication, top-notch organisation skills, seamless teamwork, and a commitment to health and safety. 

You’ll pick up some pretty in-demand skills and refine your employee strengths, which are guaranteed to spice up any CV.

Stirring up skills like a seasoned chef, our kitchen assistants are the secret ingredient to the smooth running of any kitchen. Read on to discover some of these skills that make up the role.

What skills do kitchen assistants have?

Learning new skills as a kitchen assistant is like mastering a new recipe. Just as a chef follows step-by-step instructions to create a delicious dish, a kitchen assistant learns from their teammates, picking up new experiences along the way. We’ll highlight just a few of these skills so you’re all set for life in the kitchen.

And if you’re a big fan of structure and stability, you might find being a kitchen assistant suits you perfectly, but you can also use this role as the perfect stepping stone to progress in your kitchen career.

Communication and a can-do kitchen attitude

In the buzzing environment of the kitchen, clear communication is key for a smooth shift. By always keeping an ear out for when your team need support, and asking clarifying questions when they pop up, our Kitchen Assistants are always sure of the task at hand. 

When things get busy, they might be kept on their toes, but with their can-do attitude, they’re doing it in style, surrounded by a friendly supportive team that’s more like a family. 

A real team player 

A kitchen assistant isn’t just a set of hands in the kitchen, oh no. They’re an important member of the culinary team, seamlessly integrated into the rhythm and flow of the kitchen. 

With their super communication skills, they know how to lend a helping hand when needed, support during peak times and are always ready to pitch in to tackle anything spicy that comes their way. 

If you enjoy working in a tight-knit team while being part of a supportive work environment, then an M&B kitchen is the place to be!

Master of organisation

From organising ingredients to keeping workstations clean and tidy, our Kitchen Assistants are the real pros. 

When it comes to clocking what the team needs, deciding what's top priority and nailing time management, these superstars thrive in the heat. With a strong team behind you, every dish can be prepared with precision and served with excellence.

Health, safety, and food handling

Yes, health and safety can be considered a skill, especially when you’re a kitchen assistant!

Knowing food safety and kitchen hygiene will get you far in kitchen life. Whether it's understanding proper food handling practices, sticking to safety procedures, or proactively identifying hazards, every step makes up a safe and clean kitchen, for your workmates and the guests you serve on the daily.

What should I expect at a Kitchen Assistant interview?

When it comes to your interview, we’ve broken down a few things so you’re ahead of the game:

• You might get asked about your ability to handle fast-paced settings.
• You may be asked about your communication skills as well as any practical skills such as food prep and organisation.
• You can also expect situational interview questions, such as “Describe a time when you had to adapt to unexpected changes”.

Just relax, take it slow, and check out our advice for navigating hospitality interview questions for more tips!

Why not check out our vacancies and join the Kitchen Assistant life? 

Now you’ve got some knowledge of kitchen assistant key skills, as well as some top tips for your interview, you won’t want to miss out on our latest kitchen assistant jobs. With our mix of full, part-time and flexible roles, you can find the perfect fit for your life and hobbies. 

And if you’re curious about career progression in the kitchen, why not check out how Kyle climbed the ladder from Kitchen Porter to Operations Manager.