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Sub-major Group

85 Fast Food Cooks and Food Preparation Assistants

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

85 Fast Food Cooks and Food Preparation Assistants

Prepare food in fast food establishments, assist kitchen and service staff to prepare and serve food, and clean food preparation equipment and service areas.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this sub-major group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Minor Group

851 Fast Food Cooks and Food Preparation Assistants

Prepare food in fast food establishments, assist kitchen and service staff to prepare and serve food, and clean food preparation equipment and service areas.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Unit Group

8511 Fast Food Cooks

Prepare and cook a restricted range of foods in fast food establishments.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

851131 Fast Food Cook

Prepares and cooks a restricted range of foods in a fast food establishment.

Specialisations

  • Pizza Maker
  • Short Order Cook

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Prepares and cooks a restricted range of standardised menu items such as hamburgers, pizzas, fish and chips, in a timely manner
  • Operates cooking equipment such as grills, deep fryers, pizza ovens and microwaves
  • Stocks and replenishes food supplies and ingredients
  • Follows health and safety regulations, and maintains a clean and hygienic work environment
Unit Group

8512 Food Preparation Assistants

Assist kitchen and service staff to prepare and serve food, and clean food preparation equipment and service areas.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

851231 Kitchenhand (General)

Assists kitchen and service staff in preparing and serving food.

Specialisations

  • Catering Assistant
  • Sandwich Hand

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assists in the preparation of food by chopping, peeling and slicing ingredients
  • Assists with simple tasks relating to the cooking, baking, plating and presentation of food
  • Assists in stocking and replenishing food supplies and ingredients
  • Assists in the setup and pack down of kitchen stations
  • Follows the instructions of other kitchen staff
  • Follows food safety and hygiene standards
  • May assist in the packaging and plating of food for delivery or service in hospitals, aged care facilities and off-site events
Occupation

851232 Dishwasher

Cleans dishes, cutlery and kitchen equipment after use.

Alternative title

  • Dishy

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Washes dishes, cutlery, pots, pans and other kitchen utensils and equipment
  • Removes trash and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen area
  • Performs deep cleaning of food preparation and general kitchen areas at the end of service
  • Inspects and disposes of damaged service or kitchen utensils
Occupation

851233 Pastrycook's Assistant

Assists a Pastrycook by performing routine tasks in the kitchen, such as preparing ingredients, and cleaning and storing equipment.

Specialisation

  • Bakery Assistant

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assists in the preparation of ingredients for pastry production
  • Cleans and maintains kitchen equipment and utensils
  • Assists in the production of pastry products such as cakes, pastries and desserts
  • Follows recipes and instructions provided by the Pastrycook
  • Assists in the decoration and presentation of pastry products
  • Monitors and maintains stock levels of ingredients and supplies
  • Assists in the packaging and labelling of pastry products
  • Ensures compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
  • Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen
Occupation

851299 Food Preparation Assistants nec

This occupation group covers Food Preparation Assistants not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 5

Occupations in this group include:

  • Baker's Assistant
  • Butcher's Assistant
  • Chef's Assistant
  • Cook's Assistant