Course Overview

About This Course

This qualification reflects the role of cooks who use a wide range of well-developed cookery skills and sound knowledge of kitchen operations to prepare food and menu items. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence and under limited supervision using plans, policies and procedures to guide work activities. "Our students start cooking from day one — not just reading about techniques, but building muscle memory in real kitchen conditions. By the time they sit their practical assessments, they've handled the pace and pressure of a professional service." Sanjeev Kumar — Cookery Trainer, Clinton Institute Completion of this qualification contributes to recognition as a trade cook. This qualification provides a pathway to work as a cook in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

Target groups for SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, are international students who are: • Seeking a career as a commercial cook or chef in restaurants, hotels, resorts, or catering operations in Australia or internationally • Seeking trade-level cookery skills that meet Australian hospitality industry standards and lead to recognised trade certification • Seeking a pathway to SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, the SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management, or university hospitality programs • Seeking hands-on, practical training in a real commercial kitchen environment, not just theory Clinton Institute's commercial cookery students train in fully equipped training kitchens using commercial-grade equipment, following workflows that replicate real hospitality venues. Students learn classical French techniques, modern Australian cuisine, Asian cookery styles, and dietary accommodation — the full breadth of skills needed to work confidently in Australia's diverse and dynamic hospitality industry. With industry placement built into the qualification, graduates leave with both the qualification and the workplace experience that employers actively seek. Students will usually be new entrants. However, credit and/or RPL can be provided for those with existing skills and knowledge allowing such students to complete the course in a shorter timeframe

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Hobart

Liverpool , Hobart, Tasmania 7000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

To enrol in this course, students must provide evidence that they: • Are at least 18 years of age • Have completed at least the equivalent of Year 10 • Meet one of the following English proficiency requirements: • Evidence of a valid IELTS score of 6.0 or other equivalents in English Language tests including Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Doulingo English Test, and Cambridge English (CAE). • Successfully complete the pathway with recognized ELICOS providers, as determined by Clinton Institute via exit score of IELTS score of 6.0 equivalents. • Student have successfully completed their Year 12 or equivalent in English Language • Have appropriate Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) levels, as determined by Clinton Institute via the LLN test administered prior to enrolment. The LLN test will be conducted by a suitable Trainer and Assessor or the Director of Studies. The LLN assessment includes a written test and interview to complete the verbal component of the test. For international students applying from their home country this will be completed during a skype interview. For all students applying within Australia the test will be completed during an interview at the RTO. The LLN test assists the RTO to assess whether or not students’ LLN skills are at a level suited to the course requirements. It also assists our trainers to prepare individual learning plans for each successful applicant where skill weaknesses are identified. The RTO will work with successful applicants to ensure their skills are at the required level by the completion of their training. For international Students, it is a condition of entry that upon acceptance, students provide evidence of having an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500). Please refer to the government website for information about applying: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Qualified cooks in Australia are covered by the Fair Work Commission Restaurant Industry Award 2020 , which sets minimum pay rates across experience levels. As of the most recent annual wage review, base rates for cooks start at $26.73 per hour (full-time, Level 1) and reach $44.06 per hour for senior chefs (Level 8). Weekend and public holiday penalty rates apply on top — overtime rates reach time-and-a-half (150%) and double-time (200%) for hours worked outside standard shifts. According to Jobs and Skills Australia , chef and cook roles consistently rank among the most in-demand vocational occupations in Victoria, with strong demand across Melbourne's hospitality precincts including the CBD, Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, and Richmond. Graduates who complete their qualification with Clinton Institute — including mandatory industry placement — enter the workforce with both the credential and the workplace hours that employers actively require. Source: Fair Work Commission, Restaurant Industry Award 2020 [MA000119]; Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, Victoria 2026.

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units25 units

SITXFSA005

Use hygienic practices for food safety

Core

SITXFSA006

Participate in safe food handling practices

Core

SITHCCC027

Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery

Core

SITHCCC023

Use food preparation equipment

Core

SITHCCC028

Prepare appetisers and salads

Core

SITHCCC029

Prepare stocks, sauces, and soups

Core

SITHCCC030

Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishes

Core

SITHCCC031

Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes

Core

SITHCCC035

Prepare poultry dishes

Core

SITHCCC036

Prepare meat dishes

Core

SITHCCC037

Prepare seafood dishes

Core

SITHCCC041

Produce cakes, pastries, and breads

Core

SITHCCC042

Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements

Core

SITHCCC043

Work effectively as a cook

Core

SITHKOP009

Clean kitchen premises and equipment

Core

SITHKOP010

Plan and cost recipes

Core

SITHPAT016

Produce desserts

Core

SITXHRM007

Coach others in job skills

Core

SITXWHS005

Participate in safe work practices

Core

SITXINV006

Receive, store, and maintain stock

Core

SITHCCC025

Prepare and present sandwiches

Elective

SITHCCC039

Produce pates and terrines

Elective

SITHCCC040

Prepare and serve cheese

Elective

SITXWHS006

Identify hazards, assess, and control safety risks

Elective

BSBSUS211

Participate in sustainable work practices

Elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SIT30821 course?

IT30821 SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Clinton Institute in Melbourne. It is registered on CRICOS (Provider Code 03540C) for international students.

What are the entry requirements for SIT30821?

To enrol in SIT30821, students must be at least 18 years of age, have completed Year 11 or equivalent, meet IELTS 6.0 English proficiency (or equivalent), and have appropriate LLN levels assessed by Clinton Institute.

Where is SIT30821 delivered?

IT30821 is delivered at Clinton Institute's Melbourne Campus (Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000) and Hobart Campus (Level 4, 169 Liverpool Street, Hobart TAS 7000).

How long is the SIT30821 course?

he SIT30821 course is delivered over the standard duration. Contact Clinton Institute for the current intake schedule and duration details.

Is SIT30821 available for international students?

es. SIT30821 is registered on CRICOS (Code 03540C) and is available to international students holding an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).

How much does the SIT30821 course cost?

Please contact Clinton Institute's admissions team for current course fees and payment options for SIT30821.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$50,000 – $60,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$60,000 – $75,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$75,000 – $95,000/yr

Career Paths

Commis Chef
Demi Chef de Partie
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Head Chef

Key Skills

Food preparation techniques (cutting, slicing, filleting, portioning, marinating)
Cooking methods (roasting, grilling, braising, steaming, sautéing, poaching)
Preparation of stocks, sauces, soups, and appetisers
Meat, poultry, and seafood cookery
Pastry, bread, cake, and dessert production

Full course overview

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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students