New Cook Onboarding Checklist: Printable Kitchen Training Plan
A new cook onboarding checklist tracks the first weeks of a cook’s training. Each item is signed off with the trainer, so nothing is missed and the cook knows what is expected.
What is inside
- Day 1: welcome, tour, uniform, hygiene, fire exits, first aid point and equipment safety
- Week 1: food safety basics, allergens, receiving and stock rotation, cleaning and closing, first station, recipe cards and portions
- Weeks 2 to 4: first station with support, prep list, waste recording, knife skills, a second station and a feedback talk
- A sign-off table after week 1, after week 4 and at the probation review
It suits restaurants, hotels and caterers that hire cooks regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
Who should be the trainer?
A named senior cook or sous chef who has the time to explain and to check. Put the name at the top of the sheet.
Can I add items?
Yes. Write your own items in the space provided or on the back of the sheet, such as your own policies and recipes.
How to use this form
- Print a sheet for each new cook and write the start date and trainer.
- Work through Day 1 and sign each item with the cook.
- Keep going through Week 1 and Weeks 2 to 4, ticking items only when the cook can do them.
- Have both the trainer and the cook sign at each milestone.
- Hold the feedback talk and write any notes.
- Keep the sheet in the cook’s file for the probation review.
