Bartenders (NOC 6452)

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Description

Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls and other licensed establishments. Supervisors of bartenders are included in this unit group.

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Example Titles

• barkeeper
• bartender
• head bartender
• service bartender

      >> View all titles

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Classified Elsewhere

• Food and Beverage Servers (6453)

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Duties

Bartenders perform some or all of the following duties:

• Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons
• Mix liquor, soft drinks, water and other ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks
• Prepare mixed drinks, wine, draft or bottled beer and non-alcoholic beverages for food and beverage servers or serve directly to patrons
• Collect payment for beverages and record sales
• Maintain inventory and control of bar stock and order supplies
• Clean bar area and wash glassware
• Ensure compliance with provincial/territorial liquor legislation and regulations
• May train and supervise other bartenders and bar staff
• May hire and dismiss staff

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Skills

Bartenders should have the following skills and abilities:

• enjoy dealing with people of all backgrounds
• good judgment and a responsible attitude when serving alcohol
• tact and diplomacy for dealing with difficult customers
• stamina to stand for long periods of time
• customer service skills
• clean work habits
• ability to work well with other staff
• an honest nature
• basic calculation and cash handling skills
• ability to handle many demands at once
• knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

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Employment Requirements

• Bartenders must be of legal drinking age. Manitoba employers require completion of a course in Responsible Alcohol Service. Courses in bartending are often necessary. Courses in safe food handling, first aid and service excellence are assets. The "It's Good Business" certificate from Manitoba Tourism Education Council is a requirement. A secondary school diploma is preferred.

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Terms & Conditions

Most bartenders work evenings and weekends. Many drinking establishments in Manitoba are now open for business on Sundays. Swing or split shifts are common. Bartenders stand for long periods of time and lift heavy kegs or cases of beverages.

This occupation is predominately female (85%). Almost half (44%) of the bartenders in Manitoba work part time. This occupation is somewhat seasonal as some resorts and tourist locations hire more bartenders in the summer.

The earnings for bartenders usually include tips in addition to their hourly wages. The wage rate and the amount of tips they receive vary with the type of work and establishment. In some establishments bartenders and food servers share the tips they receive.

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Earnings

$18,800 per annum - starting

$21,600 per annum - average

$28,700 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

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Education / Training

• Some employers provide on-the job training.
• The Manitoba Tourism Education Council also offers training programs in this field.

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Career Paths

Individuals with restaurant experience may be interested in becoming bartenders.

With experience, bartenders may become wine stewards, restaurant managers or caterers. A few bartenders open their own bars or restaurants.

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Outlook

Employment prospects for bartenders are expected to be good in the period 2010 to 2014. Employment in 2010 is estimated at 1,420.

There is higher than average turnover in this occupation due to the relatively low wages, the requirement to work evenings and weekends, and the predominance of part-time jobs . The age profile of this occupational workforce is young with over half being youth under age 30. This occupation attracts university and college students because the hours of work do not normally conflict with their course schedules.

Jobs for bartenders are fairly evenly distributed across the Province. Most bartenders work in the Accommodation and Food Services Industry (89%), followed by Other Services (except Public Administration) (5%) and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (2%).

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Employment by Age Group

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Employment by Industry

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Employment by Region

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Employment by Gender

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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification

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Employment by Visible Minority

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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.

Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...

• Hotel and Restaurant Employees' and Bartenders Union, 357-331 Smith Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2G9, (204) 949-1869
• Manitoba Hotel Association, http://www.ManitobaHotelAssociation.ca
• Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC), http://www.mtec.mb.ca

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