Cook's helpers assist in the preparation of food. They help cooks and other food preparers with any jobs that require attention. Cook's helpers are employed in restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, hotels, and other establishments that serve food.
Preparation and service are two key elements in any successful kitchen. As a cook's helper, you play a vital role in making sure all the necessary ingredients are available to the chefs and other food preparers. Your other responsibilities include washing, cutting or peeling fruits and vegetables; weighing, measuring, and arranging various ingredients; stocking goods; cleaning up the cooking area and assisting kitchen staff whenever they need it.
In some cases, you may be responsible for preparing dishes that do not require cooking, such as salads or desserts. In some instances, you may me required to service buffet meals.
Any training for this position is done on-the-job, usually under the guidance of the head cook. Most tasks are repetitive, but if any new techniques or methods are required, an experienced staff member will show them to you.
Pay for this position tends to be based on an hourly wage, though some helpers are paid salary.
Working hours in the prepared food business can run from early morning to late evening, seven days a week. It is important that you be flexible with your time. If your apprenticeship is done with a reputable business you will gain valuable experience and move into a more demanding position. If you show promise, you might advance to the job of line cook, or even head cook. Higher positions in a kitchen, however may require additional training. Still, with the right combination of experience and skill you may find that a cook's helper's talents are in demand everywhere.
Considering the range of your duties and responsibilities as a cook's helper, you need to be well organized. You must also be able to cope with constant stress and respond quickly to instructions from the cooks. You should be able to cooperate with the kitchen staff and, in some cases with the service staff. If you find yourself dealing with the public, you must be well groomed and polite.
The position requires a lot of energy and endurance, especially in kitchen conditions where it can be hot. Naturally, working with food demands high standards of personal cleanliness and hygiene.