A food counter assistant works behind the counter in cafes, self-service restaurants and fast food outlets, serving food and drink for eating on the premises or taking away.

The Work

You could be:

• standing behind the counter, taking food orders face to face or on the phone and passing them to the kitchen
• taking orders via a drive-through booth and inputting them into a computerised till
• serving hot and cold food to customers as they move along the counter
• heating up food in a microwave or serving it from large pots on a hot plate
• making sandwiches, burgers, salads, tea or coffee
• clearing and wiping the tables in the eating area and keeping the work area clean and tidy
• loading and unloading the dishwasher
• making sure there are enough trays, cutlery and condiments (sugar, milk, sauces) available
• working the till, adding totals, taking money and giving change.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2021 the National Minimum Wage is £4.62 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17, £6.56 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £8.36 an hour for workers aged 21 to 22. The National Living Wage is £8.91 for workers aged 23 and over.

Conditions

• You work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Part time work is common.
• It can be hectic and noisy, especially at peak times.
• You might have to wear a uniform, or protective clothes such as apron, gloves, hat or hairnet.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
• You might be able to get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.
• You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality (SCQF Level 4 or 5) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship. 
• Jobs are in cafes, business canteens, schools, colleges, airports, passenger ships, hospitals and fast food chains.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland

  Scotland

2021

54240

1.2 %

RISE

2026

54917

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

• good customer service skills
• excellent hygiene awareness
• a smart appearance
• a polite and friendly manner
• stamina for working busy shifts
• good number skills for dealing with money.

You should be:

• trustworthy
• patient and tactful
• able to stay calm under pressure
• able to work fast and efficiently
• good at working in a team
• aware of health and safety.

Training

• Training is usually on the job. You learn about health and safety, using kitchen equipment, preparing food, using cash tills and taking orders.
• Anyone with a job involving the handling of food must complete a relevant food safety and hygiene course.
• There are SVQs which you can do while working, such as Food and Beverage Service or Food and Drink Operations (Food Sales and Service Skills) at SCQF Level 5 and Hospitality Services at SCQF Level 4 or 5.

Getting On

• There is often a high turnover of staff, and so there are usually a lot of vacancies.
• After gaining experience you can apply for jobs as supervisor or manager.
• Some fast food chains run their own training schemes.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.