Cook - Employer Registry

ESSENTIAL SKILLS
TECHNICAL READING
GUIDELINES
COOK
NOC 6242
Introduction
Learners will locate, recall, understand and interpret information
in written text
Success in technical training and in the trade requires that apprentices understand,
connect with, and recall important information. Knowing the language of the trade
and developing strategies to quickly locate specific information in reading materials
such as books, manuals and texts not only increases reader comprehension but also
productivity on the job.
Just as it is important to think about reading habits, it is important for apprentices
to think about and develop strategies for exam preparation. Whether writing tests
that are required during technical training or getting ready to write the Red Seal
certification exam, adequate test preparation is essential. As multiple choice testing
is the most common form of assessment for certification, knowing how multiple
choice questions are constructed and applying strategies for responding can
significantly improve test scores.
Technical Reading in the Cook Trade
Cooks use technical reading on a daily basis to complete job tasks. The complexity
of these reading tasks, according to Human Resources and Skills Development
Canada’s Essential Skills Profile (http://srv108.services.gc.ca/ ), ranges from
reading short texts to locate a single piece of information (i.e., read instructions on
the operation of appliances and equipment) to choosing and integrating information
from various sources or from several parts of a single text (i.e., read and interpret
vendor purchase agreements).
Cooks read recipes, menus, manuals, regulations, textbooks and industry
magazines. They read to understand the science of the trade and interpret laws
and regulations on workplace health and safety. In many cases, the text is
complex, lengthy and technical.
They must also be able to sequence work tasks and follow procedures for using
equipment, sanitizing work areas, as well as preparing and storing food. They
research information to choose proper cooking methods and to determine reasons
for product failure. They read trades magazines to keep current on new products
and trends.
Introduction to the Curriculum Guide
Success in technical training and performance on the job requires that apprentices
have strong Essential Skills. Although all Essential Skills contribute to success, this
guide is intended to help apprentices in the cooking trade develop the reading
strategies necessary to locate, understand, interpret and recall information
presented in a variety of text formats common to the trade.
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Cook
NOC 6242