Bendigo TAFE Blog

Mixing passion with precision: A chef in the making

To become a chef in Australia, you will need to complete one of the following qualifications at minimum: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30813) 

If you’re just starting to explore the idea of a culinary career, you may need to field some important questions first, like: What kind of work will I do in the kitchen? How much does a chef earn in Australia? Are chefs in demand in Australia? What qualifications do you need to become a chef? How long does it take to become a chef? What are the chef rankings? What other types of culinary jobs are there.

This comprehensive guide to becoming a chef will take you from the research and discovery phase, through to concrete next steps for starting out in the industry. In this complete guide, you’ll learn about what chefs do every day, whether being a chef is right for you, the chef ranking system, culinary qualifications, and chef apprenticeships.

There are many reasons to become a chef in Australia. Here are some of the best reasons:

1.    Career opportunities: The hospitality industry in Australia is always growing, and the career opportunities on offer can take you anywhere. From an upscale resort in far-north Queensland to a winery in South Australia or a tiny laneway in inner Melbourne: the world is your freshly-shucked, locally sourced oyster.

2.    Creative outlet: Cooking is an art form, and chefs are artists. As a chef, you have the opportunity to create something new and exciting every day. You can experiment with different ingredients, flavours, and techniques to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.

3.    Job satisfaction: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a customer enjoy a dish that you’ve created. As a chef, you have the power to make people happy through your food. It’s a rewarding feeling that can’t be matched.

4.    Travel opportunities: If you’re passionate about food, becoming a chef can be a great way to see the world. You can work in restaurants all over the globe, learning about different cuisines and cultures along the way.

5.    Competitive salary: According to the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills website, chefs in Australia earn an average of $1,250 per week. This is a competitive salary that can increase with experience and seniority.

6.    Job security: Chefs are in demand in Australia, with a projected employment growth of 10.5% over the next five years. his means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for qualified chefs in the future.

To become a chef in Australia, you will need to complete one of the following qualifications at minimum: Chef – Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Commercial Cookery (SIT30813) or Pastry chef – Certificate III, IV, or Diploma in Patisserie (SIT31016). After completing your qualification, you can advance your cooking skills with further kitchen experience.

If you’re just starting to explore the idea of a culinary career, you may need to field some important questions first, like: What kind of work will I do in the kitchen? How much does a chef earn in Australia? Are chefs in demand in Australia? What qualifications do you need to become a chef? How long does it take to become a chef? What are the chef rankings? What other types of culinary jobs are there.

This comprehensive guide to becoming a chef will take you from the research and discovery phase, through to concrete next steps for starting out in the industry. In this complete guide, you’ll learn about what chefs do every day, whether being a chef is right for you, the chef ranking system, culinary qualifications, and chef apprenticeships

The chef ranking system in Australia is based on the French Brigade System or the ‘Brigade de cuisine’. The hierarchy keeps things running smoothly, and with purpose, so no one person is too overwhelmed by the many components that go with making a restaurant-quality meal. The most common system used in Australian restaurants is the French Brigade System or the ‘Brigade de cuisine,’ if you prefer the French term. This system has been used in culinary establishments since the 19th century. The system has several levels, including the Executive Chef, Head Chef, and Sous Chef.

 

Bendigo TAFE has courses available to help get you started in hospitality, commercial cookery and baking.

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