SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Course code: SIT30821
Course length: 40 weeks
Career outcomes: This qualification provides a pathway to work as a cook in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops.
Articulation pathway: Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
Campus: Ashmore Campus, Benowa Campus, Brisbane Campus

Overview

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. 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.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must safely and hygienically prepare, cook and serve menu items for a minimum of 48 complete service periods in a commercial kitchen as detailed in the Performance Evidence of the unit SITHCCC043 Work effectively as a cook.

 

Learning pathways: on successful completion of this course, graduates may consider further study at a higher tertiary level within the vocational education and training sector.

 

Entry requirements

Students need to be 15 years old and are required to have reading, writing and comprehension skills equivalent to Year 10 pass level to successfully complete the Certificate level courses.

Should you feel you may not possess these literacy skills or have not completed a formal leaving certificate please contact us to discuss support arrangements.

 

Units

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to measure, support and find opportunities to improve the sustainability of work practices. The unit applies to individuals, working under supervision or guidance, who are required to follow workplace procedures and instructions. These individuals work in an environmentally sustainable manner within scope of competency, authority and own level of responsibility.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare salads, including sauces, dressings and accompaniments for national and regional Asian cuisines. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients, and to use relevant equipment and cookery methods. The unit applies to hospitality and catering organisations that offer Asian cuisine and to cooks who usually work under the guidance of more senior chefs. The unit may be applied to one or more Asian cuisines. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely use commercial kitchen equipment to prepare a range of different food types. The unit applies to operational personnel responsible for general food preparation tasks in hospitality and catering organisations. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher-level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and present a variety of sandwiches in a hospitality or catering organisation, such as cafes, kiosks, canteens and cafeterias, or to organisations where catering forms only a small part of the business. The unit applies to operational personnel who make pre-prepared and on demand sandwiches according to customer requests. Sandwiches may be classical or modern, hot or cold, of varying cultural and ethnic origins and use a variety of fillings and types of bread. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher-level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a range of basic cookery methods to prepare dishes. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in-flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision and guidance of more senior chefs. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher-level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare appetisers and salads following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients, and to use relevant equipment and cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision and guidance of more senior chefs. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report discrepancies to a higher-level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare various stocks, sauces and soups following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients, and to use relevant equipment and cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision and guidance of more senior chefs. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook various vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients, and to use relevant equipment, cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision and guidance of more senior chefs. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook various vegetarian and vegan dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients, and to use relevant equipment, cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of poultry dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion poultry, and to use relevant equipment, cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of meat dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion meat, and to use relevant equipment, and cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of fish and shellfish dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion seafood, and to use relevant equipment, and cookery and food storage methods. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to package and label prepared foodstuffs for storage and transportation. It requires the ability to check the quality of food and select correct packaging materials. The unit applies to operational personnel in hospitality and catering organisations that prepare, package and label food. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in-flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any discrepancies to a higher-level staff member for action. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and serve cheese and cheese dishes. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of cheese varieties. The unit applies to hospitality and catering organisations where cheese is served as a menu course. Responsibility for cheese may rest with a range of individuals depending on the organisation. It may include cooks or senior food and beverage attendants. Cheeses may include milk-based products from cows, sheep, goats or buffalo, or alternatives such as soy. They may be traditional, contemporary or specialist and may be locally produced or imported. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce cakes, pastries and breads in a commercial kitchen following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion ingredients; and to use relevant equipment a range of cookery methods to make and decorate cakes, pastries and breads, and food storage methods. It does not cover the specialist skills used by patissiers to produce specialist patisserie products. These are covered in the range of patisserie units coded ‘PAT’. The unit applies to hospitality and catering organisations that produce and serve cakes, pastries and breads, including hotels, restaurants and patisseries. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare dishes for people who have special dietary needs for lifestyle, medical or religious reasons. It requires the ability to confirm the dietary requirements of customers, use special recipes, select special ingredients and produce food to satisfy special requirements. This unit does not include recipe planning for special diets which is covered in the unit SITHKOP012 Develop recipes for special dietary requirements. The unit applies to cooks and patissiers working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work as a cook. It incorporates all aspects of organising, preparing and cooking a variety of food items across different service periods and menu types; using a range of cooking methods and team coordination skills. The unit integrates key technical and organisational skills required by a qualified commercial cook. It brings together the skills and knowledge covered in individual units and focuses on the way they must be applied in a commercial kitchen. The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. Menu types may be classical, contemporary or ethnic and service may be formal or informal. It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to clean food preparation areas, storage areas, and equipment in commercial kitchens to ensure the safety of food. It requires the ability to work safely and to use resources efficiently to reduce negative environmental impacts. This unit is particularly important within a food safety regime and applies to all hospitality and catering organisations with kitchen premises, including permanent or temporary kitchens or smaller food preparation areas. These can be found within restaurants, cafes, kiosks, cafeterias, clubs, hotels, attractions and in catering facilities. The unit applies to kitchen personnel who work with very little independence and under close supervision, including kitchen attendants and stewards. It can also apply to cooks and chefs in small organisations. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan and cost recipes for dishes or food product ranges for any type of cuisine or food service style. It requires the ability to identify customer preferences, select recipes to meet customer and business needs, cost recipes and evaluate their success. It does not cover the specialist skills used by senior catering managers and chefs to design and cost complex menus after researching market preferences and trends. Those skills are covered in SITHKOP015 Design and cost menus. The unit applies to hospitality and catering organisations. Recipes can be for ongoing food service, for an event or function, or for a food product range such as patisserie products. It applies to cooks, patissiers and catering personnel who usually work under the guidance of more senior chefs. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to evaluate and select an integrated production, distribution and service catering system to meet the food production needs of a catering organisation. It requires the ability to determine catering system requirements for the organisation, evaluate operational aspects of different catering systems, and select a catering system that suits the characteristics and needs of the organisation. The unit applies to all hospitality and catering organisations that prepare and serve food. This includes restaurants, hotels, clubs, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, event and function caterers. It applies to senior managers who operate with significant autonomy and who are responsible for making a range of strategic management decisions, including executive chefs and catering managers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use personal hygiene practices to prevent contamination of food that might cause food-borne illnesses. It requires the ability to follow predetermined organisational procedures and to identify and control food hazards. The unit applies to all organisations with permanent or temporary kitchen premises or smaller food preparation or bar areas. This includes restaurants, cafes, clubs, hotels, and bars; tour operators; attractions; function, event, exhibition and conference catering; educational institutions; aged care facilities; correctional centres; hospitals; defence forces; cafeterias, kiosks, canteens and fast food outlets; residential catering; in-flight and other transport catering. It applies to food handlers who directly handle food or food contact surfaces such as cutlery, plates and bowls during the course of their daily work activities. This includes cooks, chefs, caterers, kitchen stewards, kitchen hands, bar, and food and beverage attendants, and sometimes room attendants and front office staff. Food handlers must comply with the requirements contained within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. In some States and Territories businesses are required to designate a food safety supervisor who is required to be certified as competent in this unit through a registered training organisation. Food safety legislative and knowledge requirements may differ across borders. Those developing training to support this unit must consult the relevant state or territory food safety authority to determine any accreditation arrangements for courses, trainers and assessors.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to handle food safely during the storage, preparation, display, service and disposal of food. It requires the ability to follow predetermined procedures as outlined in a food safety program. The unit applies to all organisations with permanent or temporary kitchen premises or smaller food preparation areas. This includes restaurants, cafes, clubs, and hotels; tour operators; attractions; function, event, exhibition and conference catering; educational institutions; aged care facilities; correctional centres; hospitals; defence forces; cafeterias, kiosks, canteens and fast food outlets; residential catering; in-flight and other transport catering. Safe food handling practices are based on an organisation’s individual food safety program. The program would normally be based on the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) method, but this unit can apply to other food safety systems. It applies to food handlers who directly handle food during the course of their daily work activities. This includes cooks, chefs, caterers, kitchen hands and food and beverage attendants. Food handlers must comply with the requirements contained within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. In some States and Territories businesses are required to designate a food safety supervisor who is required to be certified as competent in this unit through a registered training organisation. Food safety legislative and knowledge requirements may differ across borders. Those developing training to support this unit must consult the relevant state or territory food safety authority to determine any accreditation arrangements for courses, trainers and assessors.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide on-the-job coaching to colleagues. It requires the ability to explain and demonstrate specific skills, knowledge and procedures and monitor the progress of colleagues until they are able to operate independently of the coach. The unit applies to experienced operational personnel and to supervisors and managers who informally train other people in new workplace skills and procedures. It applies to all tourism, travel, hospitality and event sectors. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to check and take delivery of stock and appropriately store, rotate and maintain the quality of stock items. It requires the ability to store perishable supplies in optimum conditions to minimise wastage and avoid food contamination. The unit is particularly important within a food safety regime and applies to hospitality and catering organisations, including hotels, restaurants, clubs, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, event and function caterers. Personnel at many levels use this skill in the workplace during the course of their daily activities, including cooks, chefs, caterers, and kitchen attendants. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to incorporate safe work practices into own workplace activities. It requires the ability to follow predetermined health, safety and security procedures and to participate in organisational work health and safety (WHS) management practices. The unit applies to all tourism, travel, hospitality and event sectors and to any small, medium or large organisation. All personnel at all levels use this skill in the workplace during the course of their daily activities. The unit incorporates the requirement for all employees under state and territory WHS legislation, to participate in the management of their own health and safety, that of their colleagues and anyone else in the workplace. They must cooperate with their employer and follow practices to ensure safety at work. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.