Caterer
Job description: Run dining rooms, bars in Officers' and Sergeants' Messes, and be responsible for in-flight meals and safety
Pay after one year: £17,140
Joining age: 16 – 36
Category: Airmen/airwomen
Usual service: 9 years
Open to: men or women
Similar civilian jobs:
- Air/rail/cruise ship steward
- Food and beverage manager
Qualifications you need: 2 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade G/6 minimum or equivalent in English language and maths
Qualifications you can gain: Apprenticeship in hospitality, including NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality (food and beverage service)
Nationality: Citizen of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, or a Commonwealth citizen since birth
The job
Caterers run dining rooms and bars in Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes. Trained in silver service, you’ll serve food and drinks to hotel and club standards, making sure that your customers have everything they need. As an RAF Caterer you’ll cover a far larger field of professional experience than your civilian counterparts could ever hope for.
Later in your career you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a Cabin Crew role. The work is very similar to that of a civilian except that, instead of flying a regular route, you could be called on to go anywhere in the world, at any time. You might be bringing servicemen and women back to their families, or transporting the Prime Minister, or even helping to look after the Royal Family.
Training
If you lack qualifications you can join as an unqualified Caterer and be trained at the RAF’s Catering Training Squadron. If you join with qualifications, you’ll start your professional work significantly higher in the RAF’s rank and pay structure.
Have a look at our Caterers microsite to read Caterers' blogs, watch videos and ask serving Caterers questions about their life in the RAF.
Need more info
0845 605 5555
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