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Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship (Fee free training)

Start Your Career as a Commercial Cook with a Fee-Free SIT30821 Qualification — Part-Time and Full-Time Job Opportunities Available

Duration
3 years
Location

No locations added

Accredited

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Funding
NSW Smart & Skilled Apprenticeship Program

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Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship (Fee free training) overview

SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is designed for people who want to become qualified cooks in the hospitality industry.

This qualification reflects the role of commercial cooks who use a broad range of cookery skills and kitchen knowledge to prepare food and menu items in commercial hospitality environments.

The course provides a pathway to work in venues such as:

  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Clubs
  • Pubs
  • Cafés
  • Catering operations
  • Coffee shops and cafeterias

At Hospitality Institute of NSW, this apprenticeship program is delivered over 3 years and combines structured training, workplace learning, practical kitchen skills and assessment.

Training is delivered through a blended model that may include trainer-led workshops, eLearning through aXcelerate, practical commercial kitchen training, workplace learning and assessment activities.

Note: School-based apprenticeship programs are also available under a separate School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathway.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

For the apprenticeship program, students must generally:

  • Be employed as an apprentice cook (either through your own host employer or one nominated by the RTO)
  • Have access to a suitable commercial kitchen workplace
  • Have a valid Unique Student Identifier, known as a USI
  • Complete HINSW’s pre-enrolment review, including LLN and digital skills assessment
  • Have sufficient digital skills to access online learning through aXcelerate

Smart and Skilled eligibility generally requires students to:

  • Live or work in NSW
  • Be aged 15 years or older
  • Be no longer at school
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent Australian resident, New Zealand citizen, or eligible humanitarian visa holder

People with existing qualifications may still be eligible for an apprenticeship or traineeship if the new program leads to:

  • a different job outcome, or
  • the same job outcome at a higher qualification level

They may also be considered if their previous qualification is over 10 years old, they have no relevant industry experience in the last 7 years, and industry skills have changed significantly.

Eligibility for Smart and Skilled funding is assessed before enrolment is finalised.

School-based apprenticeships: School-based apprenticeship programs are available under a separate SBAT program for eligible secondary school students.

System Requirements
In order to complete this online course, students will need access to the following:
  • Have access to a laptop or mobile device
  • PDF Reader
  • Suitable internet browser such as; Google Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer
  • Hold sound computer skills
  • Have latest operating system e.g. Windows 10, Mac OSX High Sierra, iPad ISO10 or higher
  • Have access to a unique email address. This email address cannot be used by another student as it becomes your unique login.
Existing Skills & Knowledge
Students are expected to have, or be willing to develop, the following skills and knowledge before and during enrolment in SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
  • Reading & Writing – Learners will need to read, interpret and complete hospitality and kitchen-related documents, including recipes, menus, food safety procedures, workplace checklists, stock records, cleaning schedules, assessment tasks and workplace forms.
  • Oral Communication – Learners will communicate clearly with trainers, supervisors, kitchen staff and team members. This may include following instructions, asking questions, reporting issues, confirming food preparation requirements and participating in kitchen briefings and workplace discussions.
  • Numeracy & Mathematics – Learners will use basic numeracy skills to measure ingredients, calculate quantities, follow recipes, portion food, check temperatures, interpret dates and times, assist with stock control and complete simple recipe costing activities.
  • Learning Skills – Learners will be expected to participate in trainer-led learning, practical kitchen activities, workplace learning, eLearning activities and assessment tasks. Students will need to follow feedback, practise skills, complete required learning activities and work towards competency across all units.
  • Digital Skills – Learners will need basic digital skills to access online learning materials, use the aXcelerate learner portal, complete online activities, upload assessment evidence, communicate with trainers and monitor their course progress.
  • Teamwork – Learners will work with others in commercial kitchen and hospitality environments. This includes following directions, supporting team members, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, working during service periods and contributing to a safe and productive kitchen.
  • Self-Management – Learners will be expected to manage their own attendance, punctuality, preparation, uniform and equipment requirements. Students must follow workplace procedures, use kitchen equipment safely, apply food safety practices, complete required tasks and take responsibility for their own learning and workplace behaviour.
  • Support Available – HINSW identifies learner support needs during the enrolment process. Where required, additional support may be provided for language, literacy, numeracy, digital skills, practical skill development and assessment preparation.

This program is suitable for who are employed, or seeking employment, in a commercial cookery apprenticeship.

It is ideal for people who want to:

  • start a career as a commercial cook
  • work in restaurants, pubs, hotels, clubs, cafés or catering businesses
  • gain practical kitchen skills while working in the industry
  • complete a recognised apprenticeship pathway
  • develop the skills needed for further hospitality study or career progression

Note: School-based apprenticeship programs are also available under a separate School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathway.

By completing this qualification, apprentices can develop the practical skills and industry knowledge required to work effectively in a commercial kitchen.

Students will learn how to:

  • Prepare a wide range of dishes using commercial cookery methods
  • Use food preparation equipment safely and effectively
  • Follow food safety and hygiene procedures
  • Prepare stocks, sauces, soups, appetisers, salads, meat, poultry, seafood, vegetable dishes, desserts, cakes, pastries and breads
  • Plan and cost recipes
  • Work safely in a kitchen environment
  • Receive, store and maintain stock
  • Work effectively as part of a kitchen team
  • Build confidence in real workplace settings

Full-time and part-time work opportunities may also be available for the right applicants, where suitable positions are available.

This course includes the following nationally recognised units of competency:

Core units 
SITHCCC023* – Use food preparation equipment
SITHCCC027* – Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery
SITHCCC028* – Prepare appetisers and salads
SITHCCC029* – Prepare stocks, sauces and soups
SITHCCC030* – Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishes
SITHCCC031* – Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes
SITHCCC035* – Prepare poultry dishes
SITHCCC036* – Prepare meat dishes
SITHCCC037* – Prepare seafood dishes
SITHCCC041* – Produce cakes, pastries and breads
SITHCCC042* – Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements
SITHCCC043* – Work effectively as a cook
SITHKOP009* – Clean kitchen premises and equipment
SITHKOP010 – Plan and cost recipes
SITHPAT016* – Produce desserts
SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety
SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling practices
SITXHRM007 – Coach others in job skills
SITXINV006* – Receive, store and maintain stock
SITXWHS005 – Participate in safe work practices

Electives
SITHCCC044 – Prepare specialised food items
SITHASC020 – Prepare dishes using basic methods of Asian cookery
SITHCCC040 – Prepare and serve cheese

HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
SITXCCS014 – Provide service to customers

Recognition of Prior Learning, known as RPL, may be available for students who already have relevant cookery skills, hospitality experience or previous training.

RPL allows eligible students to have their existing skills and knowledge assessed against the requirements of SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

Evidence may include:

  • previous hospitality or cookery experience
  • current or past employment as a cook or kitchen staff member
  • workplace documents, menus, recipes or production records
  • supervisor references or third-party reports
  • previous qualifications or Statements of Attainment
  • practical demonstrations or competency conversations

Approved RPL may reduce the amount of training required. All RPL applications are assessed individually before any adjustment is made to the student’s Training Plan.

The Commercial Cookery apprenticeship program is delivered over 3 years.

Training is structured around the apprentice’s workplace, training plan and assessment requirements.

Training is conducted 1 day per week at the host employer’s venue, allowing apprentices to develop practical skills in a real commercial kitchen environment while continuing their employment.

Delivery includes:

  • Workplace-based learning
  • Practical kitchen training at the host employer’s venue
  • Trainer-led workshops
  • eLearning activities through aXcelerate
  • Self-directed learning
  • Workplace visits and assessment
  • Logbook and workplace evidence collection

Each apprentice receives an individual Training Plan outlining the units of competency, delivery sequence, assessment requirements and expected completion timeframes.

 

This apprenticeship is fully subsidised for eligible learners under NSW Government Smart and Skilled funding.

This means eligible apprentices pay no course fees for this training.

The usual course cost for SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is approximately $13,000. However, eligible apprentices approved under the subsidised apprenticeship program can complete the qualification with no learner contribution fee.

 

Eligibility for subsidised training is assessed before enrolment is finalised.

NSW Smart & Skilled Apprenticeship Program

What's next?

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