Selecting the correct career path is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals, and other role players, focusing on a specific career field every week.
We aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices. This week we give a platform to the food service aide career.
Duduza resident Thenjiwe Nqubezelo (25) is a food service aide and works at a local hospital. Her career in the industry started in 2023.
Nqubezelo said she would describe her job as a way of taking care of a patient through food required by their diet for their well-being.
What is a food service aide?
A food service aide serves food to clients, guests or patients in large capacities. They perform routine tasks in the food service unit and perform the general cleaning tasks assigned to them and maintain hygiene and safety measures in the unit.
What do food aides do in hospitals?
They carry heavy baskets, and packages, and do preparations for breakfast, cooked meals, food portioning according to portion control measures and serve food to wards. They also garnish food and label and serve food according to patients. They assist when there is a function, and offer relief in all areas of food service when required.
They must comply with infection prevention control standards. A food service aide plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals have access to nutritious and well-balanced meals. They also work closely with other food service professionals to ensure that meals are prepared and served in a timely and efficient manner.
How do I become a food service aide?
To become a food aide, you need Grade 10 (NQF level 2) or an equivalent qualification with no experience. You must be able to read and write, and have good communication and interpersonal skills.
You must be motivated and willing to work under pressure, and work shifts (including weekends and public holidays). You must also be able to work in a team, and be willing to learn different types of diets and cooking methods.
Where can I study to become a food service aide with matric?
An entry-level food service position does not need any tertiary education but matric, however, one can enrol at:
• TVET College
• Hotel School
• University of Technology or any university that offers Hospitality Management to qualify for a food service manager position.
Admission requirements at a college or university for the food service manager position are as follows:
• English level 4: 50 – 59%
• Mathematics level 3: 40 – 49% or mathematical literacy at level 4: 50 – 59%
• Hospitality or consumer studies at level 5: 60 – 69%
What skills do I need to become a good food service aide?
• Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices, operating equipment found in a commercial kitchen, preparing food and serving food.
• Specific knowledge-based competencies required for the job include safety practices and procedures, food preparation and handling, and sanitation practices. Menu knowledge is important.
• Specific ability-based competencies required include: working as part of a team, working with interruptions, and adhering to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Time management is also important.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a food service aide?
• Report equipment malfunctions and notify the supervisor if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Clean utensils, equipment, storage space, food preparation and serving areas to maintain required sanitary conditions. This includes pots, pans, baking sheets, steam tables, work areas, floors, and trash receptacles, among others).
• Inspect food items and/or supplies in order to comply with mandated health standards. Prepare food and beverages for meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
• Attend food service department meetings, in-service training and workshops to gather information required to perform job functions.
•Monitor the temperature of all refrigerators and freezers, and keep appropriate logs detailing cleanliness and temperature settings.
• Perform functions of other food services positions at assigned or other locations as requested by the supervisor to ensure adequate staff coverage within food services operations.
• Work with co-workers pleasantly and professionally to create a professional working atmosphere.
• Follow food services policies, standardised recipes, and training manuals to maintain department standards.
What are the advantages and disadvantages that come with the job?
• Advantages: Receiving positive feedback from patients, interacting with different people daily and making an impact in someone’s life.
• Disadvantages: Standing for long hours, working under pressure and dealing with difficult clients/ patients.
Where do food service aides work?
Foodservice aides work in food preparation in healthcare facilities, hospitals and retirement homes. They may also work in schools or school hostels, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, canteens, and assisted living facilities.
