National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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65201 - 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 62200 Chefs)
    • Cooks (See 63200 Cooks)
    • Food and beverage servers (See 65200 Food and beverage servers)
    • Food service supervisors (See 62020 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.
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