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Trainee Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BEACON

Prep Cook ASC20260602

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

Follow the Cooking Crew Supervisors daily prep list. * Label and date ingredients and food items ... Perform the non-supervisory duties of the Cook or the Caf Trainee Supervisor during absences and ...

VTCSM

Prep Cook ASC20260602

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Follow the Cooking Crew Supervisor's daily prep list. * Label and date ingredients and food items ... Perform the non-supervisory duties of the Cook or the Café Trainee Supervisor during absences and ...

VTCSM

Prep Cook ASC20260602

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Follow the Cooking Crew Supervisor's daily prep list. * Label and date ingredients and food items ... Perform the non-supervisory duties of the Cook or the Cafe Trainee Supervisor during absences and ...

Piggy's Restaurant

Part-time Prep Cook

Lake Harmony, PA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Cook, Trainee Cook, or Prep (We will train you) Part-Time only Location: Piggy's Restaurant, 16 N Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, PA To Apply: * Must come in person to the restaurant to fill out an ...

Hwy 55 Burgers/ Tiny Frog, Inc. (NC)

Prep cook

Dunn, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

All Cooks begin as Trainees. After training is complete, Team Members receive guaranteed pay increases as they advance in levels. Leadership roles begin at Level III and are readily available and we ...

Hwy 55 Burgers/ Tiny Frog, Inc. (NC)

Prep cook

Dunn, NC

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

All Cooks begin as Trainees. After training is complete, Team Members receive guaranteed pay increases as they advance in levels. Leadership roles begin at Level III and are readily available and we ...

Eagle Crest Communities

Food Service - Cook

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Starting wage is between $18.50 and $24.00 per hour, based on your position, experience and qualifications. (Prep Cook, Production Cook, Line Cook, etc.) * Assistant Cook/Trainee: $16.50 + * We pay ...

Eagle Crest Communities

Food Service - Cook

Onalaska, WI

$18.50 - $24/hr

Starting wage is between $18.50 and $24.00 per hour, based on your position, experience and qualifications. (Prep Cook, Production Cook, Line Cook, etc.) * Assistant Cook/Trainee: $16.50 + * We pay ...

Din Tai Fung

Dumpling Prep (Trainee)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.75/hr

Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife ... A Dumpling Prep (Trainee) is tasked with preparing, putting together, folding, and steaming ...

Wings And Rings

Line Cook

Richmond, IN

$14.35 - $15.85/hr

Starting at $14.35/Hr as a line cook trainee, after a 30-90 day trainee schedule you may be ... line or prep chef. During your training period, you will be expected to learn individual item ...

Wings and Rings

Line Cook

Richmond, IN · On-site

$15.35/hr

Starting at $14.35/Hr as a line cook trainee, after a 30-90 day trainee schedule you may be ... line or prep chef. During your training period, you will be expected to learn individual item ...

Genki Sushi USA, Inc

BOH-T - HI

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$16/hr

Back of House-Trainee (BOH-T Entry Level Trainee) Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly Primary Job Function ... Prep Cook * Sushi Cook * Fry Cook * Dishwasher * Able to efficiently run every station in the back ...

Genki Sushi USA, Inc

BOH-T - HI

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$16/hr

Back of House-Trainee (BOH-T Entry Level Trainee) Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly Primary Job Function ... Prep Cook * Sushi Cook * Fry Cook * Dishwasher * Able to efficiently run every station in the back ...

VTCSM

Cook ASC20260501

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$19.31/hr

Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed. * Observes proper food ... Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals ...

VTCSM

Cook ASC20260501

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$19.31/hr

Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed. * Observes proper food ... Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals ...

BEACON

Cook ASC20260501

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed. * Observes proper food ... Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals ...

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How much do trainee prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee prep cook in the United States is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee prep cooks, and how can they overcome them?

As a trainee prep cook, one of the most common challenges is managing time effectively while maintaining consistency and quality in food preparation. It can also be demanding to quickly learn and remember proper knife skills, food safety protocols, and the unique procedures of each kitchen. To overcome these challenges, it's important to communicate openly with experienced team members, seek feedback regularly, and stay organized by prepping ingredients ahead when possible. Staying proactive and receptive to learning will help you adapt and grow in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Trainee Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectTrainee Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no experiencePrevious prep cook experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasksFull kitchen, responsible for prep work
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with basic prep, learning techniquesPreparing ingredients, assisting senior cooks

The main difference is that a Trainee Prep Cook is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Prep Cook is experienced and responsible for preparing ingredients independently. Trainee Prep Cooks focus on learning, whereas Prep Cooks handle more complex prep tasks in a professional kitchen.

What are trainee prep cooks?

Trainee prep cooks are entry-level kitchen workers who assist chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and performing basic cooking tasks under supervision. Their responsibilities typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and setting up workstations. This role is a starting point for those interested in a culinary career, providing hands-on experience and learning opportunities in a professional kitchen environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Prep Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training often provided. Familiarity with kitchen tools, commercial food preparation equipment, and adherence to health and safety standards is essential. Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work well under pressure help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure food is prepared efficiently, safely, and to the quality standards required in professional kitchens.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Trainee Prep Cook typically does not earn $10,000 a month without significant experience or advancement. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers, which require specialized skills, certifications, or licenses. These positions usually involve experience, strong skills, and sometimes entrepreneurial effort to achieve such income levels.

How to become a prep cook with no experience?

To become a prep cook with no experience, focus on developing basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food safety, often through online courses or volunteering. Entry-level kitchen jobs typically require a positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn, and some employers may provide on-the-job training.

Is a prep cook a good entry-level job?

A prep cook position is generally considered a good entry-level job in the culinary industry, as it requires basic cooking skills, knife work, and food preparation, often with on-the-job training. It provides experience in a professional kitchen environment and can serve as a stepping stone to higher culinary roles.

Do trainee chefs get paid?

Trainee prep cooks are typically paid employees, though compensation varies by employer and location. Many entry-level culinary training programs offer hourly wages or stipends, and some may provide additional benefits or certifications upon completion.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Prep Cook jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Prep Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Prep Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Prep Cook jobs include:
Trainee Prep Cook jobs near you
Prep Cook ASC20260602

Prep Cook ASC20260602

BEACON

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Salary: $18.00

DETAILS OF POSITION

Location: Santa Maria / Full-time: Monday - Friday / Weekends / Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM (minimum flexibility) Starting Rate: $18.00 per hour


PURPOSE OF POSITION

Beacon, formerly VTC Enterprises/LOVARC, has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities since opening our doors in 1962. The Food Preparation Worker assists the ASC Contract Manager in preparing the food, maintains a clean and safe cooking environment and takes on cooking tasks as they arise.

For more information visit our website:www.vtc-sm.org


Food Prep tasks:

  • Follow the Cooking Crew Supervisors daily prep list.
  • Label and date ingredients and food items. Stock pantry, refrigerator and freeze shelves in an organized manner.
  • Properly store food items in designated containers.
  • Sanitize work areas and equipment, wash dishes and take out trash as necessary.
  • Measure seasonings, condiments and ingredients for use in cooking.
  • Portion and wrap food.
  • Prepare ingredients for cooking.
  • Wash, peel, and chop fruits and vegetables.
  • Clean and cut or grind meat, fish, poultry, and shellfish.
  • Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees etc.
  • Place food in warming trays or refrigerated storage as appropriate.
  • Use manual and electric equipment for food preparation.
  • Preform basic cooking tasks such as stirring, straining, and parboiling food.
  • Maintain records of quantities of foods and ingredients used.
  • Update supervisors when stock of food items or supplies are low.
  • Inform managers about broken or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Comply with all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Deliver food to juvenile hall as per contract specifications.
  • During absences, perform the duties of the Cooking Crew Supervisor.
  • Perform the non-supervisory duties of the Cook or the Caf Trainee Supervisor during absences and meal breaks.


Qualifications

Education and/or experience:Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Culinary arts training or vocational training preferred.


Communicationskills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English. Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to remember oral or written instructions provided by others.


Interpersonal skills:Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and management. Interact diplomatically with the public. Foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.


Self-managementskills:Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands. Set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities.


Reasoning ability:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out basic written or oral instructions. Ability to think through the consequences of a decision prior to making it. Ability to recognize an emergency situation and take appropriate action.


Computer skills:Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software.


Certificates,licenses, registrations:Must obtain and maintain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification.


Other skills and abilities:Must be able to multi-task and perform in a fast-pacedwork environment. Must meet and maintain Community Care Licensing criminal history criteria.


Benefits

  • Paid holiday, vacation, and family leave
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • 401-K
  • Employment Assistance Program (EAP)


Beacon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status