Question 1

What is the difference between an event catering assistant and a waitperson?

Accepted Answer

An event catering assistant focuses on food and beverage service at events, banquets and functions, including setup, plate service and pack-down. A waitperson typically serves in a restaurant setting. Under the Hospitality Industry Award, event catering assistants are typically classified as Food & Beverage Attendants within the Functions stream.

Question 2

What award covers event catering assistants in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Event catering assistant positions are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). This award applies to employees in hotels, function venues, event centres and similar establishments. Always verify which award applies to your specific business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for an event catering assistant?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, event catering assistants typically fall under Level 2-3 depending on experience and service skills. Senior assistants with silver service or supervisory duties may be classified at Level 4. See our Hospitality Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in an event catering assistant job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience.' Check the current Hospitality Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do event catering assistants need?

Accepted Answer

RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) is typically required as assistants serve alcohol at events. Food safety certification is beneficial. Key requirements include customer service skills, physical fitness for setup work, professional presentation and ability to work as part of a team. Certificate II or III in Hospitality is desirable.

Question 6

Do event catering assistants need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) is typically required. Food Handler certificate is beneficial. Some venues require white card (construction induction) for outdoor event setup. Silver service training is advantageous for upmarket events but not legally required.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in an event catering assistant?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, look for customer service experience, physical fitness, team player attitude and professional presentation. For experienced roles, look for previous event or banquet experience, understanding of different service styles (buffet, plated, cocktail), knowledge of wine service and proven reliability with event deadlines.

Question 8

Can I hire event catering assistants without event experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many venues successfully train event catering assistants without prior event experience. Focus on transferable skills like customer service, physical fitness, attention to detail and teamwork. Provide comprehensive training on setup procedures, service styles, wine service and event protocols.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent event catering assistants?

Accepted Answer

Most event catering assistants are casual due to variable event schedules. However, venues with regular functions may have permanent part-time assistants for core events, supplemented by casuals for larger functions. Casual employment provides the flexibility needed for the event-driven nature of this work. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to event catering assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and evening shifts. Most events occur during these times. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for event catering assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2-3 hours per shift depending on circumstances. Event shifts often include setup, service and pack-down time. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in an event catering assistant employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (typically casual), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties including physical requirements, work location, nature of casual shifts (on-call or rostered), uniform requirements, RSA certificate requirement and availability expectations. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to event catering assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance where possible. Changes within this period require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Event schedules can be unpredictable, so using rostering software helps manage updates and communicate shift details to casual staff pools.

Question 14

What are typical shift patterns for event catering assistants?

Accepted Answer

Event catering shifts vary based on function schedules. Common patterns include afternoon/evening shifts for dinners (3pm-11pm), day shifts for conferences (8am-5pm), split shifts for multi-session events, and weekend work for weddings. Shifts include setup before events and pack-down after. Be clear about variable shift requirements during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are event catering assistants entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. During events, breaks need careful coordination with service flow. Use break planning tools to support compliance while maintaining event service.

Question 16

How do I manage catering staff for varying event sizes?

Accepted Answer

Build a casual pool of trained event catering assistants with varied availability. Use rostering software to match staff numbers to guest counts and service styles. For large events, schedule experienced assistants as team leaders. Maintain regular communication with your casual pool to ensure adequate response to event bookings.

Event catering assistant job description