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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.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Cook.
Possible job outcomes:
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.
Get a job as a commercial cook with the SIT30921 Certificate III in Catering. This nationally recognised qualification is perfect if you want to cook in catering outlets and bistros at public hospitals and aged care facilities — or even start your own mobile catering business. Competencies include: using food prep equipment, cooking and preparing simple dishes, cleaning kitchen premises and equipment, receiving and storing perishable stock, maintaining food safety, planning and costing out recipes. Enquire now for entry requirements, commercial catering career outcomes, and training providers near you that offer this qualification..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Cook 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.
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
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.
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
Chef
Commis Chef
Cook
Demi Chef
Food Safety Supervisor
$1,050 weekly pay
Pastry Chef
Patissier
Pizza Chef
Chef de Partie
$1,350 weekly pay
Executive Chef
$1,730 weekly pay
Sous Chef
Learn more about Cook courses in your area.