Food Preparation Workers Go Back to List Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Data base user interface and query software

Tasks
	Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
	Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.
	Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
	Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
	Weigh or measure ingredients.
	Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
	Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
	Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.
	Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
	Prepare and serve a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Skills
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Education & Training   Education:   Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.   Related Experience:   Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $36,133.00 $17.37  $14.46  $14.72 - $18.22  Bridgeport/Stamford $37,607.00 $18.08  $15.03  $15.30 - $19.35  Danbury $35,506.00 $17.07  $14.50  $14.72 - $18.74  Hartford $34,502.00 $16.59  $14.41  $14.64 - $17.32  New Haven $38,704.00 $18.60  $14.50  $14.84 - $20.90  New London/Norwich $34,084.00 $16.39  $13.96  $14.23 - $17.45  Waterbury $34,973.00 $16.82  $14.23  $14.55 - $18.19  Torrington $34,314.00 $16.49  $14.13  $14.29 - $17.57

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   2461   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer excellent job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
	Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
	Cooks, Fast Food
	Cooks, Restaurant
	Cooks, Short Order
	Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
	Waiters and Waitresses
	Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
	Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.