Overview
Waiters and waitresses serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants and cafes, take orders and handle payments. They also get the tables ready, take the customers to their table and gives them a menu. They write down what the customer wants and tells the kitchen staff. When the food is ready the waiter takes it to the table. Waiters also keep the tables clean and tidy and take away finished plates and glasses.
Activities
- Lay and Set tables with cutlery and table clothes
- Taking customers’ orders for food and drinks
- Take customers menus
- Serves customers their food and drinks
- Clear the tables
- Giving customer their bill and taking payment
Organisations
There are lots of places within the Black Country that employ waiters and waitresses including tea shops, cafes, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, clubs, bars and hotels.
Workplace
Waitresses and waiters mainly work indoors although some workplaces can have tables outside.
Working Hours
The working hours for waiters and waitresses vary depending on where they are employed. Some are on duty about 40 hours a week, although many work part-time. Weekends, evenings and late nights are normally included in this role.
Salary
Starting salary is £12,000.
Qualifications
You do not need any particular qualifications to become a waiter or waitress, although some employers may ask you to have a good general standard of education, especially in English and maths other will be much more flexible. You can apply for jobs without experience, though you’ll have an advantage if you’ve worked in customer service before. Your employer will train you on the job. You could volunteer in a cafe run by a local community organisation or a charity This will help you to develop your skills before you apply for paid work.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications.
The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.