Catering Assistant in Oklahoma Career Overview

As a Catering Assistant, you play a vital role in the food service industry, supporting the planning and execution of various events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. Your responsibilities contribute significantly to the overall guest experience and the seamless operation of catering services.

Key aspects of the Catering Assistant role include:

  • Event Preparation: You assist in the setup of dining areas, ensuring that tables, chairs, and decorations are arranged according to the specified theme or client preferences.

  • Food and Beverage Service: You aid in the serving of food and drinks during events, maintaining high standards of service that reflect positively on the catering company.

  • Customer Interaction: As a Catering Assistant, you engage with guests, answering questions about menu items and ensuring their needs are met throughout the event.

  • Cleanup and Management: Post-event, your role extends to cleaning up and organizing the venue, helping to restore the space to its original condition, which is essential for maintaining good relationships with clients and venues.

  • Support for Culinary Staff: You often work closely with chefs and kitchen staff, assisting in food preparation and ensuring that service runs smoothly and efficiently.

Your contributions as a Catering Assistant are integral to the success of any catered event, making you an essential member of the catering team. Whether working at large events or intimate gatherings, your efforts directly enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction of all attendees.

Catering Assistant Salary in Oklahoma

Annual Median: $28,110
Hourly Median: $13.51

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma

To become a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma, certain educational qualifications and training programs can enhance your knowledge and skills in the culinary field. While a high school diploma may suffice for entry-level positions, pursuing specialized education can provide you with a competitive edge. Here are pertinent college degree programs:

  • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts: This program focuses on fundamental cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation. It covers a variety of cuisines and prepares you for various roles within the culinary industry.

  • Professional Food Preparation and Cooking: This degree emphasizes practical skills in food preparation and cooking. It typically includes hands-on training, helping you develop efficient and safe food handling practices.

  • Culinary Arts and Related Services: This broad program encompasses various aspects of the culinary arts, including advanced cooking techniques, nutrition, and food safety. It prepares you to work in diverse settings, including catering companies.

  • Culinary Arts and Chef Training: This program specifically prepares you for a role in the kitchen as a chef or culinary professional. It involves comprehensive training in cooking techniques, menu planning, and kitchen management, which are valuable in a catering environment.

  • Culinary Science and Culinology: This unique program combines culinary arts with food science, focusing on the technology behind food preparation and preservation. It provides a strong foundation for understanding food quality, safety, and nutrition, which is essential in catering.

Consider enrolling in one of these programs to gain the necessary educational foundation for a career as a Catering Assistant.

Best Schools to become a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma 2024

#1Boulder County

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder

Boulder, CO

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:8,894
#2Bayamón Municipio

NUC University

Bayamon, PR

In-State Tuition:$6,448
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,160
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:26,720
#3New York County

Institute of Culinary Education

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:676
#4Dutchess County

Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY

In-State Tuition:$33,850
Out-of-State Tuition:$33,850
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:71%
Total Enrollment:3,124
#5Providence County

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI

In-State Tuition:$37,896
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,896
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:59%
Total Enrollment:4,566
#6Orange County

Valencia College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,984
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,933
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:43,370
Catering Assistant Job Description:
  • Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Catering Assistant Required Skills and Competencies in Oklahoma

  • Communication Skills: You must be able to interact effectively with clients, vendors, and team members. Clear communication ensures that everyone understands the requirements and expectations for events.

  • Organization Skills: Strong organizational abilities are essential to manage multiple tasks and events simultaneously. You'll need to prioritize responsibilities, from preparation to execution.

  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is important for ensuring that all aspects of an event, such as food presentation and service standards, meet client expectations.

  • Customer Service Orientation: Providing excellent service is key to success in the catering industry. You should be approachable, responsive, and attentive to client needs and feedback.

  • Team Collaboration: Experienced catering assistants work well with others, facilitating a cooperative atmosphere among kitchen staff, servers, and management to ensure smooth operations.

  • Time Management: You will often work under tight deadlines. Effective time management skills help you complete tasks efficiently and ensure events run on schedule.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think quickly and adapt to unexpected situations is essential. Whether dealing with last-minute changes or troubleshooting issues, being resourceful is vital.

  • Basic Culinary Knowledge: Familiarity with food preparation and safety standards is beneficial. Understanding menus and dietary restrictions can enhance service quality.

  • Physical Stamina: The role often requires long hours of standing, lifting, and carrying heavy trays or equipment. Being physically fit will help you meet these demands without undue fatigue.

  • Multitasking Abilities: You should be able to handle various tasks simultaneously, from serving food to managing inventory, without compromising quality or efficiency.

Job Duties for Catering Assistants

  • Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.

  • Portion and wrap food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.

  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.

Technologies and Skills Used by Catering Assistants

Computer based training software

  • Quizlet

Data base user interface and query software

  • MicroBlast Recipe Wizard for Windows
  • ValuSoft MasterCook

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Looking for ways to help people

Job Market and Opportunities for Catering Assistant in Oklahoma

The job market for Catering Assistants in Oklahoma presents a mixture of challenges and opportunities. As you explore this career path, consider the following aspects:

  • Demand for Catering Services: There is a steady demand for catering services in Oklahoma, driven by a vibrant event culture, including weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. This creates consistent job opportunities for catering assistants as venues and businesses seek reliable support.

  • Growth Potential: As the food service and hospitality sectors recover and expand post-pandemic, you can expect an upward trend in catering jobs. The increase in events, along with a growing emphasis on unique dining experiences, contributes to the demand for catering professionals, opening doors for career advancement.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Oklahoma City: As the state’s capital and a cultural hub, Oklahoma City has a high concentration of event venues and catering companies.
    • Tulsa: Known for its thriving arts and music scene, Tulsa also hosts numerous events requiring catering services, making it another hotspot for job opportunities.
    • Norman and Stillwater: Home to major universities, both cities often require catering services for campus events, increasing demand for catering assistants.
    • Lawton and Edmond: These areas are also growing in population and economic activity, creating additional catering needs.

  • Event Seasons: Be aware that certain times of the year, such as wedding season (spring and summer) and holiday seasons (fall and winter), typically see a surge in catering jobs due to an increase in events. This seasonal demand can lead to temporary but significant opportunities for work.

Understanding these elements of the job market can help you navigate your career as a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma effectively, positioning you to seize emerging opportunities.

Top Related Careers to Catering Assistant 2024

Salad Bar Attendant
Cafeteria Assistant
Snack Bar Worker
Sandwich Artist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma

  • Culinary Institute of America
    Explore various culinary programs that can enhance your skills as a Catering Assistant. Their resources provide insights into food preparation, catering management, and business practices.
    Culinary Institute of America

  • National Association of Catering and Events (NACE)
    NACE offers a wealth of resources tailored for catering professionals, including certifications, training opportunities, and networking events.
    National Association of Catering and Events

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers
    The BLS provides statistics and information about job outlook, wages, and duties related to catering and food service occupations.
    BLS Food and Beverage Serving

  • Catering Magazine
    Stay updated with trends, industry news, and best practices from experienced catering professionals. This publication is an excellent resource for ideas and inspirations.
    Catering Magazine

  • Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
    Familiarize yourself with food safety guidelines and regulations that are crucial for anyone working in catering. This site offers comprehensive resources about food handling and safety standards.
    Food Safety and Inspection Service

  • Oklahoma State University - Institute of Technology
    Investigate their culinary arts programs, which may include catering-specific coursework, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and technical training.
    OSU Institute of Technology

  • American Culinary Federation (ACF)
    The ACF provides training resources, certifications, and professional development programs that can enhance your culinary knowledge and skills in the catering field.
    American Culinary Federation

  • YouTube - Culinary Tutorials and Training Videos
    Utilize platforms like YouTube to find a plethora of instructional videos focused on catering basics, event planning, food safety, and other practical skills.
    YouTube

  • Local Libraries and Community Colleges
    Many libraries offer books and resources on catering management, event planning, and culinary arts. Check if your local community college offers relevant courses or workshops.

  • LinkedIn Groups for Caterers
    Join professional networking groups aimed at catering and event planning on LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into best practices.
    LinkedIn

These resources can provide valuable information and training that will aid you in your career as a Catering Assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Catering Assistant in Oklahoma

  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Catering Assistant?
    As a Catering Assistant, your main duties include preparing food and beverages, setting up dining areas, serving guests, and cleaning up after events. You may also assist with menu planning and coordination of catering operations.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Catering Assistant?
    While a formal education is not strictly required, a high school diploma or equivalent is beneficial. Experience in food service, customer service, or event planning can also enhance your qualifications.

  • Is food handling certification necessary for this job?
    Yes, obtaining a food handler’s certification is often required, as it ensures you understand safe food handling practices. This certification is typically a quick course that covers important health regulations.

  • What skills are important for a Catering Assistant?
    Key skills include strong communication, teamwork, and organizational abilities. You should also possess attention to detail and be able to manage time effectively to ensure events run smoothly.

  • What types of events do Catering Assistants typically work at?
    Catering Assistants work at a variety of events, including weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties, and community gatherings. Each event may present different challenges and requirements.

  • What is the typical work environment for a Catering Assistant?
    You can expect to work in diverse settings such as banquet halls, hotels, restaurants, or outdoor venues. The environment can be fast-paced, especially during large events or peak service times.

  • How many hours do Catering Assistants usually work?
    Hours can vary significantly based on the number of events booked. Part-time, full-time, evening, and weekend shifts are all common in this profession, so flexibility is often needed.

  • What opportunities for advancement are available in this career?
    There is potential for advancement within the catering field. With experience and additional training, you may pursue roles such as Catering Supervisor, Event Planner, or even Catering Manager.

  • What is the average salary for a Catering Assistant in Oklahoma?
    The average salary can vary based on location and experience, but as of October 2023, Catering Assistants in Oklahoma generally earn between $25,000 and $35,000 annually.

  • Do I need my own transportation to be a Catering Assistant?
    While it’s not always necessary, having your own transportation can be beneficial, especially if you need to travel to different venues or assist with event setups.

  • Are there any physical demands associated with being a Catering Assistant?
    Yes, the job often requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items (like food trays and equipment), and moving around quickly. Being in good physical condition can help you manage these demands effectively.