Waiters serve food and drink in restaurants, cafes, hotels and other dining establishments all over the State. They also prepare tables, take orders, clear tables, calculate bills and take payments. Waiters are required to provide a high standard of service to customers as they are frequently the face of the business. Different establishments require difference levels of service, so some waiters may provide professional silver service at black tie events, while others may need to be more friendly and outgoing at relaxed cafes.
Specialisations
- Food and Beverage Attendant
Required Skills and Knowledge
- good personal presentation skills
- to be friendly, polite and helpful
- to be patient and diplomatic when dealing with complaints
- flexibility and reliability, with a willingness to work weekends and evenings
- stamina and efficiency
- good memory excellent communication
- over 18 years of age to serve alcohol
- able to work as part of a team
Education Training Requirements
You do not need a qualification to become a waiter but it may help your employment prospects. You can also become qualified to work as a waiter through a traineeship in hospitality, which combines workplace training with paid employment. Training may be delivered entirely in the work place, or some aspects of training may be delivered on the premises of a registered training organisation, such as a TAFE.
The Certificate III in Hospitality will provide you with on and off the job training in service, front of house operations, and basic housekeeping and financial skills. You can also do this training through private registered training organisations.
Knowledge Skills & Attributes
As a trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.
