Do you see red words on this page? Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.
Cook: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Cooks prepare food.
Add this page to a custom guide
Choose a guide...
There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
Word Meanings
What do cooks do?
Cooks prepare food. They work in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and other places.
Meet a cook
Sam is a cook. He works in a hospital kitchen. The food he makes has to look good and taste good.
Here are things that Sam does:
- He helps to plan menus. He makes lists of foods to buy.
- He washes, peels and cuts vegetables.
- He cuts up meat and fish.
- He cooks meat, fish and vegetables.
- He makes soups and salads, gravies and sauces.
- He also makes desserts.
- He divides food into servings.
- He makes food for patients on special diets.
- He gives instructions to kitchen helpers.
-
Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
What is a cook’s work like?
Sam works an 8-hour shift on weekdays. Sometimes he works on weekends and holidays. He may start work early in the morning or finish late at night.
The hospital kitchen is noisy. Sometimes it gets very warm. Sam wears a uniform and a hairnet.
Sometimes Sam has to work quickly. He has to be careful. He works with sharp knives. He works at a hot stove. He doesn’t want to cut himself or burn himself.
Sometimes Sam has to lift and move heavy things. These things can weigh over 25 kilograms (over 55 pounds).
Do you want to be a cook?
- You must be healthy.
- You have to stand for many hours.
- You must be clean.
- You have to like making food.
- You must have a good sense of taste and smell.
- You have to keep the kitchen clean and tidy.
- You need to read and write English. For example, you have to read recipes and menus. You may have to write down instructions and make lists.
- You have to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- You must work well with a team.
- You need to be creative. For example, Sam can prepare potatoes in many ways.
What education do cooks need?
Some people start as kitchen helpers. They learn about cooking on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma. Later they may become cooks.
Some people take cooking courses. They may get a certificate or diploma in cooking.
Cooks can take an apprenticeship. They learn on the job and take courses at a post-secondary school. After 3 years, they can become a journeyperson cook.
What can cooks do in the future?
Cooks can work in many places. They may work at fast food restaurants or golf clubs. They may work at cafeterias in stores or hospitals. Some jobs are seasonal. For example working for camps.
Cooks with experience may change jobs. They can work in different restaurants.
Some cooks may become chefs. Chefs take special training. They are often supervisors of other cooks and kitchen helpers in fancy restaurants.
Some cooks may become caterers. Caterers often have their own business.
How much does a cook make?
$15.00
to
$21.28
Per Hour
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Other jobs to think about
You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like cook.
Do you want more information?
Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.
You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.
Updated Oct 16, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.
Was this page useful?