Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
An Apprentice Chef is training to be a chef in a commercial cooking environment such as a restaurant, café or catering company. You’ll work with qualified chefs to develop your skills with a range of kitchen tasks such as preparing and presenting meals, working as part of a team in a busy kitchen environment and sourcing and preparing quality ingredients. Apprentice Chefs perform a range of kitchen duties such as cleaning and checking supplies.
Apprentice Chefs should be fast workers and able to keep up with the demands of a busy kitchen. You’ll need to be a good communicator and able to follow instructions well. Apprentice Chefs should be good at multitasking and able to work as part of a team. You’ll need to be willing to work a range of shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become an Apprentice Chef.
Possible job outcomes:
If you’re considering a career as a professional chef or want to work as a cook or kitchen hand right now, you can’t go wrong with the SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery. This nationally recognised qualification introduces you to the the commercial kitchen workplace and teaches you how to prepare dishes to commercial standard. The course covers: using food prep equipment, hygiene for food handlers, perishable stock control, communicating with kitchen staff, kitchen safety. Choose electives that support your career growth: cooking and catering, Asian cookery, patisserie, customer service. Enquire now for the full list of study units, food industry career outcomes, and upcoming course openings in your area..
Average duration: 12 months.
The nationally recognised short-course SITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety is often referred to as ‘Hygiene for Food Handlers’ and is the industry standard for restaurant, cafe, and bistro workers in Australia. The course covers: identifying food hazards and preventing food contamination, following critical work procedures, cleaning and sanitising food handling areas correctly, maintaining personal hygiene and infection controls. Enquire now for entry requirements, food handling competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates in your area..
Average duration: 1 day.
In Australia, a full time Apprentice Chef generally earns $865 per week ($44,980 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been strong employment growth in this industry over the last five years. There are currently 38,300 people working in this profession in Australia and many of them are completing their apprenticeship. Apprentice Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re like to become an Apprentice Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations. As well as your workplace training, you’ll also study topics including basic food preparation, working with perishables, cleaning food premises and equipment and working as part of a catering team.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within cookery and catering. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Cookery and Catering
Apprentice Chef
$865 weekly pay
Catering Assistant
Cooks Assistant
Food Service Assistant
Kitchen Attendant
Sandwich Hand
Breakfast Chef
$1,150 weekly pay
Catering Manager
$1,450 weekly pay
Chef
Commis Chef
Cook
Demi Chef
Food Safety Supervisor
$1,050 weekly pay
Food Service Supervisor
$1,250 weekly pay
Pastry Chef
Patissier
Pizza Chef
Chef de Partie
$1,350 weekly pay
Executive Chef
$1,730 weekly pay
Kitchen Manager
Sous Chef
Learn more about Apprentice Chef courses in your area.