The hospitality and catering sectors offer vibrant and diverse career opportunities for school leavers. These industries are essential for providing excellent customer service, delicious food, and memorable experiences.

Opportunities in the Hospitality Sector

Hotel Receptionist

Hotel receptionists are the first point of contact for guests, handling check-ins, check-outs, and guest inquiries. School leavers can start in this role with minimal qualifications and receive on-the-job training. Responsibilities include managing reservations, providing information about hotel services, and ensuring guest satisfaction. This role offers a solid foundation for a career in hotel management.

Housekeeping Assistant

Housekeeping assistants ensure that guest rooms and public areas are clean and well-maintained. School leavers can enter this role with basic qualifications and receive training provided by employers. Duties include cleaning rooms, replenishing supplies, and reporting maintenance issues. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and guest comfort.

Event Coordinator

Event coordinators plan and execute events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. School leavers can start as event assistants or through apprenticeships in event management. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics, liaising with clients and vendors, and overseeing event setup and breakdown. This role requires strong organisational and communication skills.

Front of House Staff

Front of house staff work in restaurants, bars, and cafes, providing excellent customer service to guests. School leavers can start as waitstaff, bartenders, or hosts with minimal qualifications and receive training on the job. Responsibilities include taking orders, serving food and drinks, and handling payments. This role offers opportunities for career progression to supervisory and management positions.

Hospitality Apprentice

Hospitality apprenticeships offer school leavers the chance to gain experience and qualifications in various aspects of the hospitality industry. These programmes typically last 12 to 24 months and cover areas such as customer service, event management, and hotel operations. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to roles like duty manager or hospitality supervisor.

Opportunities in the Catering Sector

Commis Chef

Commis chefs assist senior chefs in the preparation and cooking of food in professional kitchens. School leavers can start in this role with minimal qualifications and receive training provided by employers or through culinary apprenticeships. Responsibilities include prepping ingredients, cooking basic dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This role offers a pathway to becoming a qualified chef.

Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen assistants support chefs and kitchen staff by performing various tasks such as washing dishes, preparing ingredients, and cleaning work areas. School leavers can enter this role with minimal qualifications and receive on-the-job training. Duties include chopping vegetables, organising storage areas, and ensuring kitchen hygiene. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen and can lead to more advanced culinary positions.

Barista

Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in cafes and coffee shops. School leavers can start as baristas with minimal qualifications and receive training on coffee-making techniques and customer service. Responsibilities include taking orders, brewing coffee, and maintaining a clean workspace. This role offers opportunities for advancement to supervisory or managerial positions in the café industry.

Catering Assistant

Catering assistants help prepare and serve food at events, corporate functions, and in institutional settings like schools and hospitals. School leavers can enter this role with minimal qualifications and receive on-the-job training. Duties include setting up dining areas, serving food, and cleaning up after events. This role provides a broad introduction to the catering industry and can lead to more specialised roles.

Culinary Apprentice

Culinary apprenticeships provide school leavers with practical experience and formal training in cooking and kitchen management. These programmes typically last 12 to 36 months and cover areas such as food preparation, kitchen operations, and menu planning. Completing a culinary apprenticeship can lead to roles like chef de partie, sous chef, or head chef.

Whether you start as a hotel receptionist, commis chef, or through an apprenticeship, there are numerous pathways to develop your skills and advance your career. With dedication and the right training, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in these exciting industries. Start exploring your options today and take the first step towards a bright future in hospitality and catering.