HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path is to finish secondary school and build kitchen experience through a part-time job, co-op, or entry-level work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or institutional kitchens. Many cooks learn on the job by starting as a kitchen helper or food-prep worker and gradually taking on more responsibility with food preparation, portioning, stock checks, and kitchen organization. Some employers may prefer or provide culinary training, and requirements can vary by employer, province, or the type of kitchen. As experience grows, a cook may handle special meals, supervise helpers, or focus on a specific cuisine or dish.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods
- Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef
- Schedule and supervise kitchen helpers
- Oversee kitchen operations
- Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment
- May set up and oversee buffets
- May clean kitchen and work area
- May plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies.
- May hire and train kitchen staff
- Cooks may specialize in preparing and cooking ethnic cuisine or special dishes.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
BussingCustomer ServiceEstimatingServing