65201

Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

TEER 5 — Short work demonstration, no formal education

Express Entry skill level: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Sales & service

6 › 65 › 652 › 6520

Definition

Food 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, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Food counter attendants and food preparers
Take customers' orders
Clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs using manual and electric appliances
Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers and other equipment to prepare fast food items such as sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, ice cream dishes, milkshakes and other beverages
Portion, assemble, and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food
Use equipment to prepare hot beverages such as coffee and tea specialties
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
Wash and peel vegetables and fruit
Wash work tables, cupboards and appliances
Remove trash and clean 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
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
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.

Example job titles

•bartender helper
•bus boy/girl
•cafeteria counter attendant
•cook's helper
•dishwasher
•fast-food preparer
•food counter attendant
•food preparer

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 65201 classifies Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations. This occupation falls under TEER 5, which represents roles that typically require short work demonstrations rather than formal educational credentials. Workers in this unit group are essential to Canada's food service sector, finding employment in restaurants, cafes, hotels, fast-food outlets, cafeterias, and hospitals.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), typical duties for NOC 65201 include preparing, heating, and packaging simple food items, serving customers at food counters, clearing tables, washing dishes, and maintaining clean kitchen work areas. While there are no strict educational requirements to enter this occupation, some secondary school education and basic on-the-job training are commonly expected by Canadian employers.

For Canadian immigration, TEER 5 occupations like NOC 65201 generally do not qualify for standard Federal Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker program. However, candidates can access permanent residency pathways through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams designed for entry-level and semi-skilled workers. Additionally, employers can hire foreign nationals for these roles through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) after obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.