Kitchen Assistant
Kitchen assistants wash dishes and clean the kitchen and serving areas in eating places. They may also help kitchen staff prepare food, such as chopped vegetables, for serving to the public.
Tasks & duties
Kitchen assistants may do some or all of the following:
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wash dishes and remove rubbish
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offload and store food
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clean all surfaces and equipment
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follow instructions from the cook or chef
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bring supplies from storage to the kitchen
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wash, peel, and chop vegetables
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garnish dishes
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prepare meat and other food when necessary
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help make salads and desserts
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collect and dispose of waste
Skills & knowledge
Kitchen assistants need to have:
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skill preparing food and using kitchen equipment
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knowledge of cleaning methods and chemicals
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knowledge of kitchen safety and food hygiene
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organisational skills
Entry requirements
There are no specific requirements to become a kitchen assistant, as skills are gained on the job. However, a National Certificate in Hospitality may be useful, and offers a good introduction to the hospitality industry.
Training on the job
Credits towards a National Certificate in Hospitality can be gained while working.
Useful experience
Useful work experience for kitchen assistants includes work as a cleaner, food counter assistant, waiter/waitress or any work dealing with food.
Related courses
Cookery
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
Sponsors include
Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch
Hornby Working Mens Club & MSA
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