Who is this competition for?

There are two restaurant service competitions for individuals to enter:
•    Intermediate (up to 2 years experience/training)
•    Advanced (2-7 years experience/training).

Those entering should be over the age of 16 and currently training to be waiters or waitresses.

What does the competition prepare you for?

The competition places you within the role of the waiter. Waiters and waitresses serve customers by taking orders, serving food and preparing tables. Making customers feel welcome and comfortable is an essential part of their job.

In more formal restaurants silver service is provided. This involves serving the main part of the dish separately to the vegetables or accompaniments. Employment opportunities exist in hotels, restaurants, cafes, bistros, bars and contract catering companies throughout the UK.

There is no set route into restaurant service and formal qualifications are not always necessary.  However, a commitment to excellent customer service is.  To succeed in the hospitality industry a firm understanding of all aspects of restaurant service is essential.

What does the competition cover?

This competition challenges you as a waiter or waitress and allows you to demonstrate a range of excellent technical restaurant service skills. A strong emphasis is also placed upon customer service and communication skills. It is imperative that the competitor be well organised and methodical in silver service practice. Tasks may involve cocktail making, table and service preparation and silver service.

What happens if I win?

The winners of the UK Final will be invited to a high profile awards event.

Subject to eligibility, outstanding national winners may be invited to compete for a place in a UK team for a WorldSkills and/or EuroSkills competition.

Further information

This competition is organised by UK Skills within a framework for promotion and development led by People 1st, the Sector Skills Council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism.

For general information about competitions please contact:

WorldSkills UK contact centre 0800 612 0742 or email worldskillsuk@ukskills.org.uk

Further opportunities

There is a City & Guilds qualification available for this competition.

There is the possibility of progressing to a EuroSkills competition.

There is the possibility of progressing to an International WorldSkills competition.