New campaign launched to highlight school catering jobs

The council has launched a new recruitment campaign highlighting the many jobs currently on offer in its Catering Service.

As the council continues the roll-out of the Universal Primary Free School Meal initiative to primary school pupils across the county borough, more roles in the service have become available.

To support the current provision of free school meals to full-time nursery pupils, and pupils in Years 1, 2 and 3, the council is looking for General Kitchen Assistants, Assistant Cooks, and Cooks, to join the service as the initiative is extended to Year 4 pupils in April 2024, and pupils in Years 5 and 6 from September 2024.

Offering competitive rates of pay, such as £11.79 an hour for a General Kitchen Assistant role, term-time only working hours and a generous staff pension scheme, employees can also benefit from continuous management support, with plenty of opportunities for on-the-job training to study as you work and gain further qualifications.

We are currently recruiting for the following roles:

• Cook - Bryntirion Infants School
• Cook - Heronsbridge School
• Assistant Cook - West Park Primary School
• Assistant Cook - Archbishop McGrath High School
• Assistant Cook - Tremains Primary School
• Assistant Cook - Croesty Primary School
• Assistant Cook - St Marys RC Primary School
• Assistant Cook - Pen y fai CIW Primary School
• Assistant Cook - Garth Primary School
• Relief General Kitchen Assistants – Catering Services

For further information on these roles, and upcoming vacancies, please visit our website.

I decided to work for school meals as a temporary measure until my children were older. I quickly realised that I could progress to an Assistant Cook or Cook, as the service was very keen to develop staff with potential. I became the Cook at Heronsbridge School which I enjoyed for several years before I became an area supervisor and then operations manager. During the years I have been employed I have received lots of training and development but most importantly support and encouragement. Most of the catering management team have developed through the service, all starting their career as General Kitchen Assistants.

Emma Bennett, Catering Operational Manager, joined the council’s Catering Services team 22 years ago as a General Kitchen Assistant.

Our catering staff are key to delivering this essential service to children across the county borough. Recognised at national awards for their high standards, with most kitchens achieving a 5-star hygiene rating. This is a fantastic time to join our growing teams as the service is further rolled out to pupils, with an exciting career path available for those who wish to kickstart their career in catering, along with opportunities to progress from General Kitchen Assistant to Assistant Cook and Cook. The term-time only working hours are also ideal for those who need to work around family commitments. If you are enthusiastic and enjoy interacting with children on a regular basis, I would urge you to apply and play a key role in this rewarding service.

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education