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A Cooks Assistant helps chefs, cooks and other kitchen staff in a commercial kitchen. You might get ingredients ready or prepare simple food items such as sauces or breads. Cooks Assistants may keep kitchen areas clean and make sure cooking equipment and tools are available when needed. You may check stock levels and take delivery of food supplies.
Cooks Assistants should be able to work quickly and manage several tasks at once. It’s important that are organised and can prioritise your workload. Cooks Assistants should be able to work as part of a kitchen team and follow instructions closely. You may have to work irregular hours such as nights, weekends or holidays.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Cooks Assistant.
Possible job outcomes:
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.
This nationally recognised training is designed to help businesses and individuals build their COVID-SAFE operating plans. Students will learn to follow organisational infection prevention and control policies and procedures, including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and respond to infection risks in organisations that include food handling in their operations. .
Average duration: Half day.
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.
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..
In Australia, a full time Cooks Assistant 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 136,900 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Cooks Assistant. Cooks Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II in Kitchen Operations is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Cooks Assistant. You’ll cover topics including basic food preparation, working with perishables, cleaning food premises and equipment and working as part of a catering team. A Certificate III in Catering Operations may also be suitable.
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 Cooks Assistant courses in your area.