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Cook

Cooks prepare and cook food.

The range of duties carried out by cooks varies depending on where they work. In hotels, clubs, restaurants and takeaway food outlets, cooks often specialise in preparing and cooking a particular type of food (fried chicken, pizza or barbecued meat, for example).

They may also specialise in national cuisine (such as Thai, Vietnamese, French or Italian). Other specialisations include entrees, desserts, international and bakery cooking.

Cooks may be required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, sometimes on a 24-hour rotating roster.

The work may be stressful, especially at peak hours of the day.

TASKS

Cooks may perform the following tasks:

check food to ensure its quality
regulate temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment
prepare food for cooking
cook food by a range of methods (baking, braising, frying, roasting or steaming, for example)
divide food into portions and ensure the food is well presented
clean food preparation areas and equipment
store food in temperature-controlled facilities
receive and store supplies
ensure the kitchen is hygienic and functional
plan menus and estimate food requirements
prepare food to meet special dietary requirements
train and supervise other staff

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy cooking
a high level of personal hygiene
able to manage time and work under pressure
good communication skills
punctuality
able to stay calm in difficult situations
able to work well in a team

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a cook without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a cook through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Kitchen Operations or Commercial Cookery.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Cooks are employed by hotels, motels, restaurants, function centres, catering companies, clubs, cafes, cafeterias, hospitals, flight catering centres, seagoing vessels, food processing factories and large boarding schools. Movement between employers within the industry may be required in order to gain experience and promotion.

With experience and further training, qualified cooks may be promoted to supervisory positions.