School Lunch Cook
がっこうきゅうしょくちょうりいん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Food Preparation Occupations
- Minor : School Cafeteria Cooks
Summary
A job that prepares and serves school lunches at elementary and junior high schools, providing students with safe and nutritionally balanced meals.
Description
School lunch cooks prepare bulk meals for hundreds of children and students in kitchens within school facilities such as elementary and junior high schools based on plans, handling serving and cleanup as well. They follow menus created by nutritionists or school lunch dietitians to perform ingredient preprocessing, cooking, and plating, thoroughly ensuring food hygiene, allergy対応, and nutritional balance suited to developmental stages. They also handle a wide range of tasks such as cleaning cooking utensils and kitchens, inventory management, and procurement, requiring the ability to provide safe meals efficiently in a short time.
Future Outlook
Although the number of children is on a decreasing trend due to declining birthrates, the importance of quality management is increasing with heightened awareness of food hygiene and safety. While facing labor shortages, the adoption of ICT and centralization is advancing, demanding greater efficiency and specialization.
Personality Traits
Flexible / Hygiene-conscious / Patient / Strong sense of responsibility / Team-oriented
Work Style
Contract work / Early morning work / School lunch kitchen work / Shift work
Career Path
School Lunch Cook (Newcomer) → Head Cook → School Lunch Center Management Position → School Lunch Dietitian (after obtaining nutritionist qualification) → Food Service Manager
Required Skills
Bulk cooking / Cooking utensil operation / Food hygiene management / Inventory ordering management / Time management
Recommended Skills
Allergy対応 skills / HACCP understanding / Menu planning / Nutrition knowledge / Team management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is essential for ingredient hygiene management and allergy対応. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical stamina is required for bulk cooking and prolonged standing work. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because multiple people need to cooperate on cooking and serving tasks. |
Related Qualifications
- Chef License
- Food Hygiene Supervisor
Aliases
- School Lunch Cook
- スクールランチスタッフ
Related Jobs
- Chef
- Hospital Cafeteria Cook
- Nursery School Cook
- Nutritionist
- School Lunch Dietitian