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A Chef organises and prepares food items in a commercial kitchen. You might work in a high end restaurant, a small café or for a catering company. Chefs plan menu items and may need to cater for special occasions or for other needs such as special dietary requirements. You might order supplies, check the quality of ingredients and supervise other staff working in your kitchen.
Chefs should be creative and passionate about food preparation. You’ll need to be highly organised and able to manage work in a busy kitchen environment. Chefs should have strong leadership skills and be able to communicate well with their team. You must be able to handle several tasks at one time and be prepared to work a range of shifts such as nights and weekends.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become a Chef.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a qualified chef and gain additional leadership skills with the SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management. This nationally recognised qualification will take you beyond your chef’s qualification by teaching you how to roster and manage the entire kitchen staff. The course delivers all the skills you need to work as a chef — cooking contemporary dishes, operating a fully functional kitchen, and implementing a food safety program. Choose specialist electives in cookery and catering, Asian cooking, patisserie, or food and beverage. Enquire now for the full list of specialisation units (and their availability), commercial chef career outcomes, and enrolment centres near you..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a trade cook with the SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to safely prepare and cook a range of contemporary dishes including meats and poultry, seafoods, fruit and vegetables, cakes and breads, desserts, soups, and sauces. Even better you’ll learn how to work efficiently in the back-of-house and can specialise in either contemporary cooking and catering or Asian cookery. Enquire now for the list of study units, specialisation electives (and their availability) as well as training providers near you who offer this qualification..
Average duration: 6 months.
The SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery) is a chef traineeship with a difference. Not only will you graduate a fully qualified commercial chef, you’ll also have an arsenal of skills in leadership and hospitality management. This nationally recognised diploma is delivered by real chefs and hospitality professionals who will teach you how to prepare and cook contemporary dishes across a range of cuisines, and efficiently manage your workforce and business unit. Enquire now for the list of study units and start dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
In Australia, a full time Chef generally earns $1,150 per week ($59,800 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.
The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly over the last five years. There are currently 101,000 people employed as a Chef in Australia compared to 80,200 five years ago. Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. You’ll learn basic cooking and food preparation methods and develop the skills to cook a range of meals, appetisers, salads and desserts. A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or a Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery) may also be appropriate.
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 Chef courses in your area.