1

Apprentice Cook Jobs in Fords, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Beverage Apprentice

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Perched sixty stories above Lower Manhattan, Manhatta serves seasonal, inspired cooking, and offers ... The Beverage Apprentice works hand in hand with the Beverage Director, Beverage Teams, and ...

Perched sixty stories above Lower Manhattan, Manhatta serves seasonal, inspired cooking, and offers ... The Beverage Apprentice works hand in hand with the Beverage Director, Beverage Teams, and ...

Beverage Apprentice

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Perched sixty stories above Lower Manhattan, Manhatta serves seasonal, inspired cooking, and offers ... The Beverage Apprentice works hand in hand with the Beverage Director, Beverage Teams, and ...

Line Cook-Day Shift (Intrepid)

New York, NY · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the an ala carte restaurant, a contract ...

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the an ala carte restaurant, a contract ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Cook information

See Fords, NJ salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Fords, NJ is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What is an apprentice cook?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Fords, NJ? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Fords, NJ are:
What cities near Fords, NJ are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities near Fords, NJ with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:

Cook - Full Time - Day

Hackensack Meridian Health

Perth Amboy, NJ • On-site

$25.77/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.
At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.
Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
The Cook prepares, cooks, and serves food for consumption by patients, staff & visitors.
Responsibilities
A day in the life of a Cook at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:
  • Performs all food preparation & cooking functions, maintaining all quality standards.
  • Prepares food accurately following production sheets and using standardized recipes or other instructions as provided.
  • Controls & adheres to all established procedures & State requirements regarding safe food handling, storage & service.
  • Strict sanitation standards used at all times; hand washing practices, proper use of gloves, continuous sanitizing practices used on food contact surfaces, utensils, equipment, work station.
  • Strictly monitor & maintain food temperatures at all times.
  • Wrap, Date & label all food items in storage.
  • Adheres FIFO.
  • Operates cooking equipment following established procedures & safety precautions.
  • Monitors & controls quantities of foods prepared. Record leftovers and waste.
  • Informs the Production Supervisor/Chef of any problems relating to the production areas; equipment, food items, preparation or cooking procedures.
  • Sets up & breaks down the food serving lines efficiently & timely.
  • Maintains and record HACCP log.
  • Maintain HACCP standard and procedure, safety storage compliant and food safety regulation standard.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Actively participates in cleaning assignments, overall sanitation, & housekeeping duties in the production areas with emphasis on individual work stations.
  • Completes all assignments on daily production sheets & willingly assists co-workers as unscheduled production needs arise.
  • Actively participates in hospital & departmental programs for Staff Development & quality improvement.
  • Performs work mostly alone, but also as part of a team. Establishes & maintains efficient & effective relationships with all co-workers in the department & hospital.
  • Readily performs & offers cooperation as other tasks or duties may be assigned.
  • Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
  • Minimum of 1 or more years of hotel and/or restaurant cooking experience.
  • Observed good cooking techniques.
  • Team player.
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
  • Associates degree in Culinary Arts.
  • Health facilities cooking experience or health care nutrition knowledge.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!
Starting Minimum Rate
Minimum rate of $25.77 Hourly
Job Posting Disclosure
HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.
The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:
Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.
Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.
In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

What Hackensack Meridian Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom