NOC 6452 Bartenders (NOC_6452)
Bartenders make and pour drinks at bars, restaurants, hotels and parties.
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Nature of the Work Bartenders mix and serve different kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks include cocktails, beer, wine, pop and coffee. Bartenders chat with customers and make sure that people enjoy themselves. They handle money. They ensure that enough drink supplies are stocked so they do not run out. Bartenders keep the bar area and their equipment clean. They may serve food. They work for tips as well as an hourly wage. Main Duties • Mix and pour drinks ordered by servers and customers • Clean dirty glasses • Keep an inventory of drink supplies on hand • Prepare and serve snacks, like nuts and pretzels • Identify and help to remove rowdy cu stomers • Check IDs to be sure underage drinkers are not served • Take payment for food and drinks Job Titles • • • • barkeeper bartender head bartender service bartender
Average Earnings • $20,000/full-time, full-year Hourly wage range • About $8-15/hr plus tips Growth of Openings
Estimated Openings
Education, Training and Certification
Required • Working knowledge of how to prepare many types of drinks • Serving It Right certification • Must be at least 19 years old Recommended • High school diploma • SuperHost program certification Other • Many local community colleges offer hospitality training. This includes how to serve food and drinks.
Skills and Abilities • Calm manner when dealing with rowdy customers • Confident, pleasant and outgoing personality with a sense of humour • Good basic math skills • Good memory • Strong' with staying power
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Working Conditions Full-time bartenders usually work 30 to 40 hours a week. They generally work different shifts. These shifts can last until the early morning hours. Some work split shifts, working over a busy lunchtime, going home and then coming back for an evening shift. Weekend and statutory holiday work is common as well as weekday and evening work. Bars and clubs can be very noisy, hot and busy. Bartenders have to move heavy objects, for example kegs. They are usually on their feet most of the time. Employment Prospects This large group of workers is expected to grow much faster than the average rate. The B.C. tourism industry employs many people and tourism is expected to grow. This means that more people will go to bars, restaurants and hotels. Businesses will probably hire more bartenders to handle this increase in customers. Because it is a large group of workers there will also be some job openings as people retire. There will be job openings because of people quitting. One reason for this is that this is usually a first job for these workers. This is shown by the fact that almost half (44%) of all bartenders are aged between 15-29 years old. Other bartenders move into management positions or other work. Related Occupations • food and beverage servers (NOC 6453) • maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses (NOC 6451) More Information • Bartender Magazine Web site http://www.bartender.com • Yellow Pages listings – bar services, pubs, hotels, restaurants
NOC 6452 Climbing the Steps
This is a good entry-level job for anyone who enjoys working with people in a fast-paced, festive atmosphere. Workers with experience and training can move into supervisory and management positions. Step 1 • bartender (NOC 6452) • $8-$15/hr plus tips Step 2 • supervisor or trainee restaurant/bar manager (in NOC 6212) • 1-2 years' experience and some postsecondary education • About $26,700 average for a full-time, fullyear worker Step 3 • restaurant/bar manager (in NOC 0631) • Post-secondary qualification or several years in the field • About $29,300 average for a full-time, fullyear worker
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Bartenders
NOC 6452 Bartenders (NOC_6452)
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Other, 14%
Hotels/restaurants/bars, 86%
Graph: Where People Find Work Quick Facts • • • • • • Only a very small number (2%) of workers are self-employed Around two-thirds (64%) of bartenders work full time The unemployment rate (9%) is higher than the B.C. average This work may be seasonal There are about the same number of women bartenders as men The average age for these workers is 33 years, compared to 38 years for all B.C. workers
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