1. Food Service Worker Facts
Food service workers are typically employed in cafeterias in schools, offices, hospitals,
nursing homes, retirement homes, acute care facilities and long term care facilities. They
prepare and serve food as well as handle cleaning and cash register. They are expected to
strictly follow quality standards and principles of diet therapy and nutrition.
Job Duties
The food service professionals perform a variety of duties on daily basis, such as
• Providing a safe and sanitized dietary environment;
• Preparing food that is safe and hygienic and is free from bacteria
• Communicating the role of nutrition to the clients
• Answering the queries of clients
• Cleaning the dining area
• Preparing and serving meals
• Maintaining cash register
Working Environment
A large part of their job involves standing on their feet and preparing and serving meals.
The organizations, such as schools and offices are out on the weekends, food service
worker are also off. However, while working in healthcare facilities they may not get offs
on weekends but they get weekly offs.
Individuals who have undergone a food service education course have higher chances of
getting employment in organized sector. The work environment here is far better than that
in non-organized sector.
Requirements
1. Education
Although no formal education is required to prepare and serve food to people. However,
individuals working or willing to work in the organized sector must be well-versed in
practical aspects of quantity food preparation, therapeutic diets and nutrition, meal service
and safety and sanitation standards.
Those who have undergone a formal education and training in food service and are able to
apply the principles of nutrition to food production can find employment in healthcare
facilities. The benefit is that the pay packages in the organized sector are better. In
addition, the work environment is great. Additionally, there are increased chances of
growth.

2. 2. Hands-on Experience
Most Canadian employers prefer to hire individuals who have previous experience in
preparing and presenting meals along with at least one-year post-secondary education in
this field. Centennial College’s program in food service worker provides students with the
knowledge and experience required to seek employment in this field.
The 15-week course covers a wide range of courses, such as kitchen equipment and food
preparation, nutrition in healthcare, safety and sanitation, workplace communications and
the role of a service worker. It also incorporates a two-day-per-week industry placement
for four weeks, helping students gain experience of working in a real world setting.
The best part is that the program curriculum has been developed to meet the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care regulations. This means, the program provides students with a
learning experience which meets current government standards.
Enrolling in a Food Service Worker Program
In order to apply for this program, students must send their applications to the college
along with the required supporting – a copy of secondary school diploma certificate and
scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. Apart from this, they must clear
police check with vulnerable screening annually and complete a pre-clearance health form
by a registered medical practitioner.
Upon graduation, the individuals may choose to pursue their careers or apply towards a
food service degree course at associated institutions and universities.