What's it like to study Commercial Cookery and work as a Chef in Australia?

Monday 24 October 2022
A Chef is a professional cook, trained in all aspects of food preparation. They generally work in commercial kitchens; these can take on a wide variety of forms, from fine dining restaurants, to cafés, catering facilities and mobile foodtrucks. Many Chefs focus on a specific cuisine, while others choose to specialise in certain aspects of cooking, like baking or pastry making.
What's it like to study Commercial Cookery and work as a Chef in Australia?

Tasks and duties as a Chef:

  • Pre-service: Check the inventory and order required ingredients. Preparation for service may include things like cleaning, cutting, marinating and pre-preparing the food.
  • Service: Communicate with waiting and other kitchen staff, cooking and serving food.
  • Post-service: Ensure the cooking equipment and work environment is spotless for the next serving day.

How do you become a Chef in Australia?

It’s common for Chefs to complete a Commercial Cookery course and then do an apprenticeship or undertake work experience in a commercial kitchen setting.

  1. Students can complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery followed by a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery.  
  2. After completing the formal study international students can stay on in Australia and access the Post Study Work Visa for 2 years to get some experience in a commercial kitchen in Australia.

The current job opportunities for work in Australia as a Chef are very good with over 10,000 Chef positions advertised on SEEK at the moment and a projected job growth of 19% over the next 5 years. The average Chef salary is between $A60,000 to $70,000 per year.

Here’s an insight into what it’s like to work as a Chef:

Some of the good things about being a Chef

‘There are multiple reasons to be a Chef for me and the very first one is I just love cooking. I know it is quite common to cook but I just love it and it keeps me happy. One should do what makes them happy and I really like experimenting with new recipes too.’

‘The other reason behind loving this profession is I love serving others. I like to invite people and cook something they like. It gives me immense pleasure and my love for this profession increases more and more. Always do something you love the most, this will help you to love your profession.’

Some of the challenges about being a Chef

The passion for food and the teaching of others does allow a chef to cook, but some of the challenges are:

the challenge of creating the right menu, the need to be unique with food but consistent, sourcing the right ingredients to name a few.

But these challenges are addressed in the formal Commercial Cookery training and work experience component. Plus, as you become more experienced these aspects become easier.

So if you love food preparation and cooking different types of food for others then you’ll love studying Commercial Cookery to become a Chef.

Ask our advice at Study in Australia TV what courses are available in Australia. There are many institutions that offer Commercial Cookery courses, so we’d be happy to help you find the right course that suits you.

Ask us now!

Quick Contact


Interested in visiting,studying,working or living in Australia?

Enter your details and we'll call you back. When it suits you.


- Please enter information in English
If your age is below 18 years, it is imperative that this form be completed by your parents.
+ Attach Your Resume (optional)
  
Find a Course