Fish frier
Fish friers work in fish and chip shops and seafood restaurants. They prepare and cook food, and serve customers.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £13,500 - £19,000
Typical hours (a week): 37 - 39
Related videos on a fish frier
How to become a fish frier
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by an industry body
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in catering.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. Experience in catering, food service or customer service will be helpful. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, including English and maths.
Other routes
You can do specialist food safety and health and safety courses through the National Federation of Fish Friers. They also offer short courses in fish frying and fish and chip shop management.
More info
Professional and industry bodies Industry bodies Seafish and the National Federation of Fish Friers have more information about working in the seafood industry.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to enjoy working with other people
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- customer service skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
Some employers may ask for a food hygiene certificate, although you can often get this on the job.
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- taking stock deliveries from suppliers
- preparing and cooking food
- serving customers and making up orders
- taking payments
- changing oil in the fryers
- keeping eating and work areas clean and tidy
- ordering stock from wholesalers
Working environment
You could work at a restaurant or in a food outlet. Your working environment may be hot.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience you could become a shop supervisor or manager. You could also move into catering management or set up your own business.
