• Take customers’ orders
• Clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs using manual and electric appliances
• Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers and other equipment to prepare fast food items such as sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, ice cream dishes, milkshakes and other beverages
• Portion, assemble, and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food
• Use equipment to prepare hot beverages such as coffee and tea specialties
• Serve customers at counters or buffet tables
• Stock refrigerators and salad bars and keep records of the quantities of food used
• May receive payment for food items purchased.

Kitchen helpers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Wash and peel vegetables and fruit
• Wash work tables, cupboards and appliances
• Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers
• Unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and other storage areas
• Sweep and mop floors, and perform other duties to assist cook and kitchen staff.

Food service helpers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Clear and clean tables and trays in eating establishments
• Bring clean dishes, flatware and other items to serving areas and set tables
• Replenish condiments and other supplies at tables and in serving areas
• Remove dishes before and after courses
• Perform other duties such as scraping and stacking dishes, carrying linen to and from laundry area and running errands.

Dishwashers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots and pans using dishwasher or by hand
• Place dishes in storage area
• Scour pots and pans, and may clean and polish silverware.

Employment requirements

• Some secondary school education is usually required.
• On-the-job training is provided.

Additional information

• There is considerable mobility among jobs in this unit group.
• Movements into other occupations within food preparation and service, such as cook or waiter, is possible with further training and experience.