Explore Careers - Job Market Report

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Chefs  (NOC 6241)
Toronto Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

This unit group includes various types of chefs who plan and direct food preparation and cooking activities and who prepare and cook meals and specialty foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, clubs and similar establishments, and on ships.

chef, chef de cuisine, chef de partie, corporate chef, executive chef, executive sous-chef, head chef, master chef, pastry chef, saucier, sous-chef, specialist chef.

Executive chefs perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Plan and direct food preparation and cooking activities of several restaurants in an establishment, restaurant chains, hospitals or other establishments with food services
  • Consult with clients regarding weddings, banquets and specialty functions
  • Plan menus and ensure food meets quality standards
  • Estimate food requirements and may estimate food and labour costs
  • Supervise activities of sous-chefs, specialist chefs, chefs and cooks
  • Arrange for equipment purchases and repairs
  • Recruit and hire staff
  • May prepare and cook food on a regular basis, or for special guests or functions.
Sous-chefs perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Supervise activities of specialist chefs, chefs, cooks and other kitchen workers
  • Demonstrate new cooking techniques and new equipment to cooking staff
  • May plan menus and requisition food and kitchen supplies
  • May prepare and cook meals or specialty foods.
Chefs and specialist chefs perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Prepare and cook complete meals or specialty foods, such as pastries, sauces, soups, salads, vegetables and meat, poultry and fish dishes, and create decorative food displays for special events such as banquets
  • Instruct cooks in preparation, cooking, garnishing and presentation of food
  • Create new recipes
  • Supervise cooks and other kitchen staff
  • May plan menus
  • May requisition food and kitchen supplies.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Oshawa, Vaughan, Ajax, Aurora, Beaverton, Bowmanville, Caledon, Cannington, East Gwillimbury, Halton Hills, King City, Markham, Milton, Newmarket, Oakville, Pickering, Port Perry, Richmond Hill, Whitby, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Acton, Algonquin Island, Bolton, Briars Park, Brooklin, Caledon East, Centre Island, Delrex, Dorset Park, Franklin Beach, Gaud Corners, Georgetown, Glen Williams, Jacksons Point, Marywood Meadows, Mono Road, Mossington Park, Newcastle, Nobleton, Norval, Orono, Port Darlington, Stouffville, Sutton, Toronto Islands, Uxbridge, Ward's Island, Wildwood, Wilmot Creek

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Chefs in Toronto Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

In order to satisfy the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's food safety requirements, Food Handler Certification may be required by some employers. To find a list of local Public Health units offering training, visit: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html.

[Report Publication Date: 2012-01-11 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-5 years

Specific Skills:
Ensure quality of food and portion control. Prepare and cook meals and specialty foods including dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Plan and direct food preparation and cooking activities.

Additional Skills:
Maintain records of food costs, consumption, sales and inventory.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, problem solving, decision making and job task planning and organizing.

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

CanLearn Searches

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    Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.

[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

Trade certification is voluntary for chefs in Ontario. More information on certification can be found on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities web site at: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/ under Apprenticeship.

For information on Red Seal endorsement for chefs visit: http://www.red-seal.ca/.

For more information on training opportunities in this occupation offered by colleges in Ontario, please refer to the following web site: http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/.

Private career colleges in Ontario may also have programs related to this occupation. More information can be found on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities web site at http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/ when searched under 'Ontario Private Career College Search Service'.

[ Report Publication Date: 2012-11-28 | Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.