Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

The SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Victorian College of Education Australia (VCEA) provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to become competent as a qualified commercial cook who uses a wide range of cookery skills. On completion, students have a sound knowledge of kitchen operations, are able to work with some independence and under limited supervision, and may provide operational advice and support to team members. The qualification requires 25 units in total — 20 core units and 5 electives — covering safe work practices, hygienic practices for food safety and safe food handling, use of food preparation equipment, and preparation of dishes using basic methods of cookery. Students learn to prepare appetisers and salads, stocks, sauces and soups, vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes, poultry, seafood and meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, pates and terrines, buffet food, cheese, cakes, pastries, breads and desserts, alongside planning and costing recipes, receiving and storing stock, cleaning kitchen premises and equipment, coaching others in job skills and providing service to customers.

Training is conducted in the classroom and in commercial kitchen settings that simulate a real work environment, and includes face-to-face teaching, lectures, discussions, research, learning activities, group work and supervised practical sessions. Assessment comprises written assignments and project work, case studies and practical demonstration, and students are required to complete 200 hours of work-based training. The course runs for 60 weeks full time including holidays and orientation, delivered at VCEA's Queen Street campus in Melbourne with practical sessions at the VCEA Kitchen in West Melbourne. Tuition is $19,900, plus a non-refundable enrolment fee of $450, a materials fee of $1,900 and $400 for a chef uniform and knife kit. The qualification provides a pathway to work as a commercial cook in restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes, cafeterias and coffee shops.