Chief Cook Courses
A Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
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 Chief Cook
Get qualified to work as a Chief 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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MAR30320
Combine your love of cooking and the wide blue ocean with the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) (MAR30320). This nationally recognised qualification qualifies you for work as an onboard cook or catering assistant. The course teaches you all the essential elements of shipboard safety and survival at sea, as well as real skills in food preparation, food safety, cooking, maintaining perishables, and stock control.Enquire now for a list of study units and the next batch intake dates.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Chief Cook.
Common questions
How much does a Chief Cook earn?
In Australia, a full time Chief Cook generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 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 Chief Cook?
This industry has experienced strong employment growth over the last five years. There are currently 38,300 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Chief Cook. Chief Cooks may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Chief Cook?
A Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Chief Cook. You’ll cover a range of topics including shipboard safety and survival at sea, skills in food preparation, food safety, maintaining perishables and stock control.
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More information
A Chief Cook prepares food for crew and passengers on a ship or marine vessel. You might prepare meals to order or work from a set menu. A Chief Cook, or Ship’s Cook or Marine Cook, ensures supplies and ingredients are available and makes sure hygiene and compliance issues are adhered to. You may have to cater for people with special dietary needs when required.
Chief Cooks should have excellent time management skills and be able to handle several tasks at once. It’s important that you are organised and can work well in a busy kitchen environment. Chief Cooks should have strong communication skills and be able to work well as part of a team.
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