Catering Technician - Maternity Cover

Job Posted: 9 February 2026

• Contract Term: Fixed Term
• Location: Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Part time
• Salary: £12.84 per hour (£7806.89 per annum pro-rata)
• Industries: Catering, Hospitality & Bar Chefs Education

Catering Technician

Isle of Wight College

Salary: £7,806.89 pro rata

Contract: Fixed Term until 31 August 2026

Hours: 16 hours per week, term-time only (38 weeks per year)

Wellbeing Support - Free Breakfast Items in staff rooms, Staff awards to recognise staff demonstrating the College values, Special celebrations to support staff such as summer Buffett and Christmas lunch, onsite salon offering a variety of hair and beauty treatments discounted for staff, onsite Starbucks, free parking, generous staff development support, bluelight, Cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies to support staff

Got a passion for food and a talent for keeping the kitchen running like a well-oiled brigade?

We’re on the lookout for a Catering Technician to join our lively Hospitality and Catering team at the Isle of Wight College. This role is perfect for someone who loves the rhythm of a busy kitchen, takes pride in preparation, and knows that great results start with great mise en place.

You’ll be the secret ingredient behind our practical sessions — setting the stage, prepping the kitchens, maintaining equipment, and making sure our lecturers and students are ready to serve up success. While the students are learning to plate, you’ll be making sure everything behind the scenes is prepped, polished, and perfectly timed.

If you’re hands-on, organised, and happiest when everything is ready before the first pan hits the hob, read on.

What’s on the Menu?

As our Catering Technician, you’ll provide technical support to the Hospitality and Catering curriculum, ensuring kitchens, equipment, and resources are ready for service. You’ll work closely with lecturers during practical sessions, offering specialist technical support where needed and helping to create a safe, professional learning environment.

This is a fixed-term role until 31 August 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing ingredients, materials, rooms, and resources so every session runs smoothly
• Making sure all catering equipment is clean, safely stored, and fully operational at the start and end of each day
• Supporting students during practical lessons, under the guidance of a Lecturer, when specialist technical support is needed
• Maintaining excellent standards of health, safety, and hygiene — and flagging any equipment issues to your line manager

The Perfect Recipe

• You’ll bring a strong understanding of catering or hospitality environments and enjoy supporting others to learn and develop. To succeed in this role, you’ll also need:
• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (or be willing to work towards them)
• A Level 3 occupational qualification in a relevant area
• Current, hands-on knowledge of catering equipment, materials, and how to maintain them
• A solid grasp of Health & Safety legislation, ensuring a safe kitchen and learning environment

What we can offer:

Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work-life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to 35 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, and benefit from a Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long-term financial security.

For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on-site gym. Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on-site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.

Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources.

Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well-being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

Ready to Apply?

Please ensure your CV and cover letter are uploaded to your application via Isle of Wight Jobs.

You can also submit your CV and Cover Letter by emailing [email protected]

The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high-quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.

Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly.

The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.