National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.3

6 - Sales and service occupations

This category contains retail and wholesale sales occupations and customer and personal service occupations related to a wide range of industries, such as accommodation and food services, travel, tourism and cleaning services.

Sales and service occupations can be linked, for the most part, to formal post-secondary or occupation-specific training programs. Others are characterized by periods of formal on-the-job training. Apprenticeship training is available for some specialized service occupations. Progression from sales and service occupations to positions of increased responsibility, or supervision, usually requires occupational experience and may require completion of related training programs.

67 - Service support and other service occupations, n.e.c.

This major group comprises service occupations that either require some secondary education, or have no specific educational requirements, and for which on-the-job training may be provided. It includes food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations; support occupations in accommodation, travel and amusement services; cleaners; and other service support and related occupations not elsewhere classified.

671 - Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

This minor group includes food counter attendants, food preparers, kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers. They are employed by restaurants, cafes, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

6711 - Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

Food counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters. Kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers clear tables, clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and perform various other activities to assist workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They are employed by restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • bartender helper
  • bus boy/girl
  • cafeteria counter attendant
  • cook's helper
  • dishwasher
  • fast-food preparer
  • food counter attendant
  • food preparer
  • food service helper
  • ice cream counter attendant
  • kitchen helper
  • salad bar attendant
  • sandwich maker

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Chefs (See 6321 Chefs)
  • Cooks (See 6322 Cooks)
  • Food and beverage servers (See 6513 Food and beverage servers)
  • Food service supervisors (See 6311 Food service supervisors)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  Food counter attendants and food preparers

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.
  • Movement into other occupations within food preparation and service, such as cook or waiter, is possible with further training and experience.