Career and Technical Education Giving Students the Edge

CTE Introduction What’s my Line? Career Development Activity #3

Job Description: Chefs and dinner cooks measure, mix and cook food according to recipes. They may cook food for restaurants, hotels, hospitals or schools. Chefs are generally more skilled and better trained than other cooks. You may have to plan/create the menus you will use. You will need to decide how much food you will need to prepare. You will need to work with kitchen/food preparation equipment. You may also have to oversee the work of other cooks who work with you. What skills or abilities are needed for this occupation? In this occupation you will need basic math skills as you will be measuring and working with combinations of foods or ingredients to create foods. You will also need good communication skills as you will be working with other cooks to prepare the food and other kitchen workers as well. Creativity will be an asset in this occupation as you will be trying to create or plan menus to serve the customers where you work. What education or training is required for this occupation? To become a successful chef you will need to be trained as a specialized school of culinary arts which may take about 2 years of education beyond high school. To be a dinner cook you will need cooking experience and some on the job training of about 1 year to become successful. Both will require high school diplomas. How much money does this occupation make? In the state of Utah you could make around $30,945 a year and in the U.S. around $31,130 a year. This would average out to about $2,586 a month Where would you work if this were your occupation? Most chefs will work with restaurants and dinner cooks will either work in restaurants or schools. Some may also work at hotels or nursing homes and residential facilities. What are the typical working conditions for this occupation? In this occupation you will be working with others in a busy environment that will require you to be on your feet and work quickly. In this field you do run the risk of getting cut or burned. You will have to know how to work efficiently with kitchen and food preparation equipment. Some cooks will work part time while other will work full time. Your may have to work mornings, days, nights, weekends and even holidays.

Gross monthly income: Total income or earnings before deductions for taxes, insurance, or other expenses. Transferable skill: Mastery of a skill that can be used in a variety of occupations. Leisure time: Spare time away from work to relax, enjoy hobbies, participate in family activities, etc.

Fill out the top of your handout according to the occupation sheet you have been given.

This activity is adapted from materials from The Real Game ( The Real Game © Anaca Technologies Ltd. (o/a Career Cruising)