Culinary Career Resources
Cooks prepare a wide variety of foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions and other establishments. Cooks are also employed aboard trains, ships and at construction and logging camps.
WORKING AS A CHEF OR COOK
An eating establishment may have different types of chefs. Executive Chefs oversee kitchen operations by managing the work of cooks who actually do meal preparation. Next in line are Sous-Chefs, who manage cooks, do some meal preparation and report to Head Chefs. Personal Chefs prepare meals in private homes by ordering groceries, or serving food.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
SKILLS
No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. You also need to develop and master some key skills. The following list of top skills will help prepare you for a successful career as a chef!
- Initiative, Imagination & Creativity
- Organization, time management & perform under pressure
- Good physical health, physical stamina & mental dexterity
- Knowledge of basic nutrition and cooking methods
JOB BANK
Ready to learn what the Culinary World has to offer you post-graduation?
Visit the following links to view job posting for Cook and Chef Jobs in your area!
Halifax | Government of Canada Job Bank
Nova Scotia | Explore Careers Nova Scotia