Food preparation assistants prepare and cook to order a small variety of pre-cooked food or beverages, clear tables, clean kitchen areas and wash dishes. Most occupations in this sub-major group require skills at the first ISCO skill level.

Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: preparing simple or pre-prepared foods and beverages such as sandwiches, pizzas, fish and chips, salads and coffee; washing, cutting, measuring and mixing foods for cooking; operating cooking equipment such as grills, microwaves and deep-fat fryers; cleaning kitchens, food preparation areas and service areas; cleaning cooking and general utensils used in kitchens and restaurants.