Join our Catering Team (Volunteer positions)

Are you passionate about railway history, great hospitality, or simply love meeting new people? We’re thrilled to invite enthusiastic volunteers to become part of our vibrant team along the stunning 16 miles of the Severn Valley Railway. This is your chance to make a real difference, gain new skills and qualifications, and enjoy a rewarding volunteering experience in a lively, friendly environment!

Volunteer opportunities include:

Front of House Staff – No previous experience needed; full training provided!

• Operate the till, handle cash, and manage cashing up
• Serve delicious hot drinks, cakes, and tasty meals to visitors
• Promote menu and actively upsell additional items to enhance visitor experience
• Restock condiments and milk to keep everything flowing smoothly
• Help keep our outlets tidy by emptying bins and assisting with end-of-day clean-up

Kitchen Staff

• Assist with pot washing, including collecting used crockery from tables and collection points
• Support the team with end-of-day clean down

Assistant Cook

• Play a vital role in food preparation and serving
• Help collect used crockery from tables
• Work closely with the Cook of the day, gaining valuable kitchen skills
• Assist with kitchen clean down at the end of each day
• Opportunity to train towards becoming a Cook!

Cook

• Prepare hearty breakfasts and simple main meals
• Oversee all aspects of the catering operation on the day (location dependent)
• Take responsibility for food hygiene, especially on weekends, Bank Holidays, and special event days like Steam and Diesel Galas
• Support wastage monitoring and assist with weekly ordering

Qualifications and training

• Working at Height training is essential for all volunteers and will be provided

Training options include:

• Food Standards Agency Allergen Awareness (online course)
• Food Hygiene Level 1 & 2 (training can be organised)
• Food Hygiene Level 3 for Cooks (training can be organised)

Please note, our catering outlets can be busy, especially during train service hours. Typical shifts are approximately:

• 8am for Cooks
• 8.30am for Front of House
• 8.30am for Kitchen Staff
• All roles work until around 5pm; opening hours are generally from 9am to 4.30pm, with kitchens closing around 3pm (site dependent)

A good level of fitness and flexibility will help you make the most of your volunteering experience.

If you’re excited to join us, we’d love to hear from you! Successful applicants will be invited to our recruitment days at Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, where you can meet current volunteers, learn more about the roles, and start your journey with us.

Please contact Nicky Freeman at [email protected] for more details and to register your interest.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Severn Valley Railway family!

Nicky Freeman

Visitor Experience Manager