About The Way Youth Zone
At The Way Youth Zone, we’re here for Wolverhampton’s young people — offering a safe, vibrant space where they can build friendships, get active, and discover what inspires them, shaping their own futures. Through sports, creative arts, life skills, and trusted relationships, we support young people to grow in confidence, overcome isolation, and thrive.
Our team lives by our values: together, honest, energetic, welcoming, aspirational, and youth-led. Whether you're working directly with young people or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a passionate, inclusive team that’s united by heart and proud to make a difference every day.
Job Purpose / Summary
The Catering Assistant supports the delivery of a safe, welcoming, and high-quality catering service at The Way Youth Zone. The role plays an important part in ensuring that food is prepared, served, and presented to a good standard, contributing positively to young people’s experience of the Youth Zone.Working as part of the catering team, the Catering Assistant supports food preparation, service, cleanliness, and basic kitchen operations, while following food safety, hygiene, and safeguarding procedures at all times.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
- Support the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food under the direction of senior staff.
- Serve young people, staff, and visitors in a friendly, welcoming, and professional manner.
- Operate tills and handle transactions accurately as required.
Food Safety, Hygiene & Cleanliness
- Follow food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures at all times.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, serving, and food preparation areas.
- Assist with daily temperature checks and basic food safety records as required.
- Follow cleaning schedules and instructions to ensure high standards are maintained.
Stock & Kitchen Support
- Assist with stock handling, including unpacking deliveries and rotating stock correctly.
- Help minimise waste by following guidance on portioning and stock use.
- Support the smooth running of the kitchen during busy service periods.
Teamwork & Youth-Centred Practice
- Work positively as part of the catering team, following instructions and supporting colleagues.
- Help create a welcoming, respectful environment for young people using the catering facilities.
- Interact positively with young people, modelling Our Way values at all times.
Essential & Desired Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Food Hygiene Certificate – Level 2 (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe).
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy environment.
- Commitment to hygiene, cleanliness, and following procedures.
- Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends
Desired
- Experience working in catering, food service, or hospitality.
- Experience handling food in a commercial or community setting.
- Experience working with children or young people.
Skills & Competencies
- Basic food preparation and service skills.
- Good awareness of hygiene and cleanliness standards.
- Friendly and approachable communication style.
- Ability to follow instructions and work reliably within a team.
- Willingness to learn and develop skills over time.
- Alignment with Our Way values and a positive, youth-centred attitude.
Accountability & Success Measures
We define accountability as taking ownership of your responsibilities, being equipped and empowered to fulfil your role, and continuously reflecting and adapting through self-awareness to grow and support others.
In this role, success looks like:
- A clean, safe, and well-run catering environment.
- Positive interactions with young people and colleagues.
- Good standards of food hygiene and service.
- Reliable support to the catering team during shifts.
You’ll be accountable for:
- Following food hygiene and safety procedures.
- Maintaining cleanliness in assigned work areas.
- Providing a welcoming and respectful service.
- Upholding Our Way values at all times.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Way is for everyone.
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led organisation where people feel welcomed, respected and able to bring their whole selves to work. We believe our strength comes from the different experiences, perspectives and talents that people bring, and we want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and are committed to creating equitable opportunities for recruitment, development and progression. We are determined to remove barriers, challenge discrimination and foster a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued, heard and empowered to succeed.
At The Way, inclusion is not just a policy; it is part of who we are. Together, we are creating a workplace where people can grow, contribute and help transform the lives of young people.