Cooks prepare and present a wide variety of foods. Cooks duties may include some or all of the following: prepare complete meals or individual dishes and food product, prepare special dietary consideration foods and meals, participate in the scheduling and supervision of kitchen staff, oversee food production operation, maintain operational inventory and record, participate and maintain effective sanitation procedures, may plan menus and determine food quality, quantity and cost, participate in the hiring and training of food production staff. Cooks may specialize in the preparation of ethnic or specialty dishes.
Overview
Cooks prepare and present a wide variety of foods. Cooks duties may include some or all of the following: prepare complete meals or individual dishes and food product, prepare special dietary consideration foods and meals, participate in the scheduling and supervision of kitchen staff, oversee food production operation, maintain operational inventory and record, participate and maintain effective sanitation procedures, may plan menus and determine food quality, quantity and cost, participate in the hiring and training of food production staff. Cooks may specialize in the preparation of ethnic or specialty dishes.
Typical Duties
Cooks perform some or all of the following 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
Jobs and Careers
Sample Job Titles
Restaurant server
Teacher
Business owner
Line cook
Short order cook
Companies and Sectors
Restaurants
Hotels/resorts
Food service chains
Catering firms
Remote campsites
Institutions
Eco tourism
Travel operations
Food processors
Self-employed
Education and Training
HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or Completion of college or other program in cooking or Several years of commercial cooking experience are required.
Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cooks upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS
In many indigenous and remote communities, commercial kitchens and restaurants may be limited. While there may be a restaurant in town, it may be difficult to get an apprenticeship in this field without relocating to a larger centre. If the community has hotels, mining activity or tourism, there may be opportunities to get jobs with existing companies, however, in the absence of this, developing a home-based catering business may be suitable.
Many Indigenous and remote communities have online Facebook pages where baked goods could be marketed and sold. **Please note it is important to get all the proper licensing and food safety certifications to run a business, even from your home.
DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Cooking can be a wonderful career for persons with disabilities to display creativity and in some kitchens, predictability. Depending on the specific job and the disability in question, it could present some challenges. Cooking can require standing for long periods of time, it can also require being in hot environments.
Competition Resources
2023 Territorial & National Competition Contest Description_Secondary
2023 National Competition Contest Description_Post Secondary
Projects