What does a Prep Cook do?
Prep Cooks play a vital role in the operation of a restaurant’s kitchen. From dicing and chopping to baking and mixing, Prep Cooks have a range of responsibilities that ensure hungry diners are served the delicious food they expect. They also set up the kitchen and take food items from the refrigerators. Once meals are served, they cover and put away what’s left. Prep Cooks are the foundation of a successful restaurant or any food service business. They are also extremely valuable assets to Chefs.
Prep Cook skills and qualifications
Prep Cooks need a range of skills. They should be quick in the kitchen and well organised in their work. A successful Prep Cook candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively, these include:
- In-depth knowledge of health and kitchen safety rules
- Ability to operate cutting tools and use kitchen utensils
- Communication skills to collaborate with kitchen personnel and managers
- Ability to follow directions and work under pressure
- Good physical condition and endurance
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods
- Ability to reach, stoop, bend and lift up heavy items or equipment
- Attention to detail
Prep Cook experience requirements
A Prep Cook must have at least one year of experience in a similar role or capacity. Experience working with kitchen ingredients and operating tools and other utensils is essential for this role. Candidates must also have experience working in a busy kitchen with fellow kitchen personnel. In addition they need to have a record of meal creation and plating experience to match different course meal standards.
Prep Cook education and training requirement
A Prep Cook must have at least a higher education diploma in time-period meals, book-report meals and other related culinary studies. Proper training in professional kitchens, especially food preparation, is essential. For institutional kitchens or restaurants, a Prep Cook must have certification in food handling. Most employers consider Prep Cooks with GCSEs and an interest in culinary arts for entry-level jobs.
Prep Cook salary expectations
According to Indeed salaries, the average annual salary of a Prep Cook in the UK is £9.73 per hour. This figure can vary depending on factors, including the restaurant’s rating, operating hours and the experience level of the Prep Cook.
Job descriptions samples for similar positions
If you would like to hire other kitchen-related positions other than that of a Prep Cook, here are job descriptions you can use:
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