Cook Courses
Cooks prepare meals in various settings, catering to dietary needs and managing supplies, requiring strong organisation and teamwork skills.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Cook
Get qualified to work as a Cook with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
SIT30821
Duration
3 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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 ...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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HLTSS00061
Study mode
Blended, Distance, Online
The HLTSS00061 Food Safety Supervision Skill Set – For Community Services and Health Industries provides a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. It enables employment in hospital, aged care, and childcare sectors, aligning with National Food Standard 3.2.2A. This skill set equips individuals to prevent, identify, and manage food handling hazards in health or community services settings. It includes supervisory responsibilities to ensure food safety compliance within organisational food safety pro...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, Distance, Online
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SIT31121
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
The SIT31121 Certificate III in Asian Cookery equips cooks with advanced skills in preparing Asian cuisine and a solid understanding of kitchen operations. It enables individuals to work independently, using their judgement and following established plans, policies, and procedures. Cooks will learn to create a variety of Asian dishes while applying well-developed culinary techniques, working under limited supervision.
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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FBPFSY2002
The FBPFSY2002 Apply Food Safety Procedures provides a nationally recognised certificate for work in the food processing industry. This unit imparts skills and knowledge to maintain food safety, workplace cleanliness, personal hygiene, and to operate production and packaging equipment. It is designed for those who participate in and comply with safety programmes in the food processing sector, excluding the pharmaceutical industry.
Enquire now for a full list of entry requirements and available enrolment dates.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Cook.
Common questions
How much does a Cook earn?
In Australia, a full time Cook generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Cook?
There has been strong employment growth in this industry in recent years. There are currently 38,300 people working in this field in Australia compared to 35,100 five years ago. Cooks may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Cook?
A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in starting a career as a Cook. 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 III in Catering Operations may also be appropriate.
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More information
A Cook prepares food for customers and guests at a restaurant, café or catering venue. You might also work in a residential facility such as an aged care home or workplace camp accommodation. Cooks prepare a range of meals and may have to cater for special dietary needs or create menus for special occasions. You might attend to other tasks such as ordering supplies and checking ingredients.
Cooks should be highly organised and able to attend to several tasks at one time. You should be able to work in a fast-paced work environment and must be able to work as part of a larger kitchen team. It’s important that you can communicate well and can follow instructions closely. Cooks may have to work irregular hours such as nights, weekends or holidays.
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