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Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers and Related Occupations  (NOC 6641)
Northeast Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Workers in this unit group include counter attendants, food preparers, kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers. 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, cafes, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

bartender helper, bus boy/girl, cook's helper, counter attendant, cafeteria, dishwasher, fast-food preparer, food counter attendant, food preparer, food service helper, ice cream counter attendant, kitchen helper, salad bar attendant, sandwich maker.

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Food service counter attendants and food preparers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Take customers' orders
  • Clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs using manual and electric appliances
  • Prepare food such as sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, milkshakes and ice cream dishes
  • Portion and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food
  • 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Wash and peel vegetables and fruit
  • Wash work tables, cupboards and appliances
  • Remove trash and clear 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
  • 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
  • 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.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sudbury, Elliot Lake, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Algo, Blind River, Capreol, Cobalt, Englehart, Espanola, Garson Junction, Haileybury, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Mattawa, New Liskeard, Nickel Centre, Parry Sound, Powassan, Temiskaming Shores, Thessalon, Valley East, Blezard Valley, Carol Richard Park, Connaught Hill, Dowling, Elmview, Finntown, Flake, Guilletville, Hanmer, Laurentien, Levack, Lively, McCrea Heights, Naughton, Parkwood, Pinecrest, Porcupine, Pottsville, South Porcupine, Val Caron, Val Therese

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers and Related Occupations in Northeast Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers and Related Occupations in Northeast Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Northeast Region Fair 2012-11-27

In the Northeast economic region, the outlook for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related occupations workers is expected to be average to good for the 2012-2013 period. This is a large occupational group in the region with over 5,900 workers in the labour force according to the 2006 census. The region attracts many tourists and there are a large number of lodges and resorts in the area. Some employment opportunities for this occupational group may be on a seasonal basis.

In Ontario, the outlook for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related occupations workers is expected to be average to good for the 2012-2013 period. The food service industry, which employs most workers in this occupational group in Ontario, is predominantly driven by consumer spending and tourism. Over the last several years, consumers have progressively been spending a larger share of their income on dining out. However during periods of economic uncertainty, consumers often spend less on restaurant meals. Tourism is an important contributor to the food services industry in Ontario with about 20% of all tourist dollars spent in restaurants and bars. Demand related to visitor spending has moderated over the last few years due to a high Canadian dollar and rising gas prices.

This is a large occupational group in Ontario with almost 132,000 food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related occupation workers in the labour force at the time of the 2006 census. Replacement needs resulting from staff turnover should create a fair number of job opportunities each year given the entry-level nature of this occupation and the relatively young workforce. Individuals in this occupational group can expect favourable employment prospects in limited-service restaurants such as a fast food places as consumers place a greater emphasis on value and competitive pricing offered by these types of establishments.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.