Kitchen Assistant
Food Preparation Workers
O*NET 35-2021.00
Job Description
Automation Risk
Many tasks in this role are routine and highly codifiable, such as dishwashing and cleaning, which are increasingly automatable with commercial kitchen robotics and cleaning systems. However, tasks involving teamwork, manual handling, and adherence to hygiene standards still require human presence and judgment, limiting full automation. AI tools can augment inventory, compliance, and reporting processes, but cannot fully substitute the physical and social aspects of the role.
Task analysis
- Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment promptly and efficiently.
- Clean floors, walls, work surfaces, and waste areas according to cleaning schedules.
- Assist chefs with basic food preparation (e.g., peeling, chopping, portioning).
- Receive, unpack, and store deliveries safely and correctly.
- Rotate stock and support correct food storage procedures.
- Follow food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH procedures at all times.
- Report hazards, damaged equipment, or safety concerns immediately.
- Work collaboratively with chefs and kitchen colleagues to support service during busy periods.
- Maintain high personal hygiene standards.
Occupational Classification
UK Salary Benchmark
Food and beverage service activities · ONS ASHE 2024 annual earnings
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
O*NET Competency Skills
Alternative Career Paths
Assists chefs in basic food preparation and kitchen operations, with more focus on cooking tasks.
Oversees cleaning staff and ensures compliance with hygiene standards in hospitality or healthcare settings.
Supports food service operations by serving food and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas.
Handles goods receiving, storage, and dispatch, utilizing manual handling and organizational skills.
Also Consider
🔥 Hot Technologies
In-demand tools for this occupation (O*NET)
Work Activities
General work activities from O*NET
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Training and Teaching Others
- Coaching and Developing Others
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Anthropic Economic Index
Real-world AI adoption data from millions of Claude conversations · Dataset ↗
Observed Claude Usage
0%
of conversations
Classic Auto. Risk
87%
Frey & Osborne
Job Zone
1/5
Little prep
O*NET Median Salary
£19k
US ref. $24k · fx 0.79
Occupational family: Food Preparation and Serving Related
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