Overview
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.
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 prospects
Annual salary
$34,934
$34,934
$43,735
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
7,533expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
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.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.