Reposted 8 days ago

Trainee Kitchen Team - Northern Ireland

Pizza Express
Pay £11.44–£12.13 per hour
Location Belfast, Down, BT1 4QG
Contract time Part time

The Breakroom Take

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 10, based on 578 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Free food
  • Recommended by students
  • Respectful managers

About Pizza Express

Pizza Express is restaurant chain. They serve Italian food and their speciality is pizza.

Job description from Pizza Express

Trainee Kitchen Team

Where those who love pizza can be their true self. Proud to be a Top 10 Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2023.

Benefits:

  • Free Food on shift
  • Plus Tips - You'll receive tips/Tronc*
  • 50% off food and drink when you’re not working
  • Wagestream gives you access to up to 40% of your earned wages before payday
  • Wellbeing Support for you and your family
  • Referral Bonus of £400 for referring pizza chefs and £1000 for referring managers
  • Pension & Life Assurance
  • Pay Rates: during your training, you’ll earn £11.44 per hour, and between £11.75 - £12.13 (dependent on location) when you’ve completed your training
  • Learning and Development Opportunities to invest in you

You will be creating the star of the show, our pizza but your role will go beyond the kitchen – it’s all about enlivening the experience for our customers and making every bite memorable. Just be yourself, and we'll bring out the best in you.

What you’ll do:

  • Food prep and dough management
  • Cook our iconic pizza and pasta
  • Work in a dynamic and energetic environment

Who we are:

Where those who love pizza can be their true self. Proud to be a Top 10 Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2023.  We’ve been around since 1965, bringing pizza to the UK and have since grown to a multichannel, international brand.  Our people are at the heart of our success and everything we do; we believe you should always be able to express yourself.  

Inclusivity and respect are at the heart of our business and are valued by our teams, customers, and suppliers. PizzaExpress and Milano is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs.  That’s why we assess each application on the aptitude to do the job and nothing else.

If you are invited to an interview, please let your interviewer know at the time of booking if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made for you.

*Tronc, or card gratuities, is a fair way to pay gratuities to our teams.  All Tronc goes to you, shared between our waiting and non-waiting teams.  You’ll get this at the end of each pay period, along with your normal pay and it’s one of the best perks about working in hospitality. 

Job insights from Breakroom

Kitchen and catering assistant

Kitchen porters or kitchen assistants prepare food, make sure chefs have everything they need

What you’ll do as a kitchen and catering assistant:

  • Plan meals
  • Prepare and cook food
  • Purchase food and look after a budget
  • Be responsible for the hygiene and safety of food served

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Physical activities
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Cleaning
  • Anti-social hours

Map

Belfast, Down, BT1 4QG

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Needs improving
  • Most people aren’t paid a living wage

    Do Pizza Express pay a living wage?

    Most people are not paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    71% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Okay
  • Only some people are paid market rates

    Do Pizza Express pay market rates?

    Only some people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    44% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Needs improving
  • Under 21s get paid less than everyone else

    Do Pizza Express pay the same regardless of age?

    No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.

    See what Pizza Express pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.

    Based on data from 219 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and October 2024.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do workers at Pizza Express get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    95% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do Pizza Express pay sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    86% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Okay
  • Some people do unpaid extra work

    Do workers at Pizza Express do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    42% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Pizza Express?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 92% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 8% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 96 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do workers at Pizza Express worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    59% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do Pizza Express workers get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    36% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for Pizza Express workers to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    53% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 70 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Easy to book holiday

    How easy is it to book a holiday at Pizza Express?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    74% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Pizza Express managers change shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    54% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 94 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it to take sick leave at Pizza Express?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    45% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Needs improving
  • People work a lot more hours than their contract

    Do people work the same number they are contracted for at Pizza Express?

    Most people work a lot more hours than their contact..

    How we know this

    68% of people report working 8 hours or more than their contract.

    Based on data from 69 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you should expect to work about the same number of hours that your contract guarantees you, most of the time.

    It’s useful to pick up or drop a few shifts here and there, but if you often work a lot more hours every week than you’re contracted for, a good job should guarantee them.

    This means you’re more likely to know when you’ll be working and how much you’ll earn in advance.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is a Pizza Express job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    86% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Needs improving
  • Most parents say it’s bad

    Is working at Pizza Express good if you’re a parent or carer?

    Most parents and carer say this is a bad place to work.

    How we know this

    75% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do people at Pizza Express feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    78% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do people at Pizza Express get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    44% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 89 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful to work at Pizza Express?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    76% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 94 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do people at Pizza Express enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    36% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 77 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do people at Pizza Express recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    48% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 101 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do people get enough training when they start at Pizza Express?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    38% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 97 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are people given support to progress at Pizza Express?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 47% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do people think Pizza Express head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    82% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by head office

    Do workers feel well informed about how Pizza Express is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    47% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Pizza Express

What Pizza Express employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    The people

    Worst thing

    The pay
    The cutting of hours
    Head office

    5.5

    Pizza Express Waitress, August 2024

  • Best thing

    Pay is decent enough for now once tips are factored in. However this may change with Fair Tipping Act introduced by government

    Worst thing

    Labour is too tight now compared with a couple of years ago. If labour is cut any further it will most likely be unsustainable

    6.0

    Pizza Express Server, August 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    I get to eat at work, and I can easily book holidays

    Worst thing

    I need to do more than I am asked. Managers always ask for more. Managers create unrealistic rotas where we are always understaffed. My work colleagues are lazy.

    2.5

    Pizza Express Pizzaiolo, August 2024

  • Best thing

    Free food
    50% off
    Nice team

    Worst thing

    Not enough notice when working
    Staff get called off shifts
    Head office have no clue what it's like in restaurant.
    Pretend and push "we are a family". Whilst cutting people's hours

    4.7

    Pizza Express Employee, May 2024

  • Best thing

    The people are either really good or a complete disaster

    Worst thing

    Hours, expected to work on minimum people and comply with Pizza Express' ridiculous trial ideas that they're never properly prepared for and just trials to maximise money with no thought to employee welfare. Progression is non-existent and they'd rather hire externally which is normally a complete disaster.

    2.8

    Pizza Express Pizzaiolo, May 2024

  • Best thing

    The people and food

    Worst thing

    Arguments
    Bad customers
    Long hours

    3.7

    Pizza Express Waitress, May 2024

  • Best thing

    Fun team, good free food, safe.

    Worst thing

    Anyone above restaurant managers do not care about what is happening within the restaurants.

    5.5

    Pizza Express Runner, December 2023

  • Best thing

    Good atmosphere, plenty of hours, keeps you busy

    Worst thing

    Rotas less than a week in advance, customers are vile!!! Tips aren't as good as you hope

    4.7

    Pizza Express Waiter, April 2023

  • Best thing

    Never bored as its normally busy, once you get to know people they become like family

    Worst thing

    Being 1 of 2 trained chefs it's very tiring closing everyday, current general manager increases stress, disrespectful at times

    4.5

    Pizza Express Employee, September 2022

  • Best thing

    The team
    Customers
    Transferable skills

    Worst thing

    Stress
    No respect from managers
    Often understaffed which can be detrimental to completing tasks and customers feeling satisfied
    Only recieve 50% of card tips plus tax

    3.9

    Pizza Express Waiter waitress, January 2022

  • More reviews from Pizza Express employees

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