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Cook

You will be able to work in a variety of settings including a residential, nursing care home or a day centre. You will be involved in the preparation, cooking & serving of meals and be trained on all aspects of food hygiene and food safety. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all service users will be catered for, including allergies or intolerances & those with special requirements like a liquid diet. Monitoring kitchen stocks and ordering supplies and must maintain the highest levels of food hygiene & cleanliness.

A cook working in a kitchen
  • Expected to earn

    The starting pay for a kitchen assistant is £10.42 per hour, but this can increase as you take on more responsibility.
    A cook or chef may make between £12.00 and £13.00 per hour.

  • Skills and values

    There are a range of skills and values that are needed to work in care. These include:

    • Excellent communication, observational and listening skills
    • Good verbal, digital, written and numeracy skills
    • Treating people with dignity and respect
    • Ability to follow policy and procedure
  • Entry requirements

    You may need previous catering experience and Food Hygiene Certificates. Full training is provided; having the right values is key. If you are caring and compassionate with good communication skills, a cook in social care could be for you.

  • What roles can I do to gain experience?

    Volunteering or work experience
    Care Assistant

  • Opportunities to develop

    Your employer will provide an induction including necessary training such as health and safety and food hygiene. You might also receive specific social care training such as Infection Control or Dementia awareness. You could also do vocational qualification such as the Certificate in Food Hygiene or undertake Continuing Professional Development.

  • What’s next

    More experience and/or greater responsibility in either a cook/chef role or in a different area of social care.
    A qualification in your chosen field of study.

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Why not try our career pathways tool