If you’re considering taking an OE in the UK, today is your last chance to submit an application for the ultimate hospitality position – washing the Queen’s dishes.
The kitchen porter vacancy is listed on the Royal Household’s website, with a salary of £18,109.07 a year (around $34,000). No previous experience is required, but applicants should be team players “interested in working as part of a professional hospitality operation”, and take care and pride in their work.
Whilst washing dishes might not be everyone’s idea of fun, it’s not uncommon for Kiwis doing a year overseas to take relatively menial jobs to fund their travelling, and this position comes with an enormous bonus – the opportunity to call Buckingham Palace your home.
That’s right – in exchange for a lower salary, the successful applicant has the option of live-in accommodation, with all meals provided.
Granted, the listing doesn’t specify that you’d be staying inside the palace itself. But, given that Buckingham Palace has 188 staff bedrooms amongst its 775 rooms, it seems likely that the kitchen porter – who is needed 5 days a week – would be able to live inside the palace walls.
“Where did you stay on your year abroad?” your friends will ask upon your return to New Zealand.
“Oh, just a little place called BUCKINGHAM PALACE,” you’ll gleefully shout back.
“This role will be based in London, and will involve travelling to other Royal residences,” says the Royal website. “In return you can look forward to working in a unique and stimulating work environment, and be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays), a 15% employer contribution pension scheme (with the option for flexibility – to increase contributions or draw down as salary) and meals on duty.”
To visit the application, click here.
