Study to be a Chef

Do you have a passion for food and working in the Hospitality Industry? If so you may want to consider studying to be a chef.

Chef is currently on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) If you would like to view the SOL list please Click Here

What does a chef do?

Chefs plan and organise menus & kitchen staff at restaurants and for catering organisations. Being a chef can be a very rewarding career with chefs being able to use their qualification all over the world in many different scenarios. Australia has a very vibrant food culture that is full of different multicultural influences. It is one of the best places in the world to become a chef because of the job opportunities and working the quality products that Australia produces.

Career Information

– Fully Qualified Chefs earn on average $900.00 per week. – 77% of Chefs are employed on full time basis. Which is extremely above average compared to other roles in the hospitality industry. – Chefs in Australia can work in numerous different roles and areas.

Possible Job Titles

– Chef de Cuisine (Head Chef or First Chef) – Sous Chef (Also known as Second Chef , they are second in charge) – Chef de Partie (Also known as a Demi Chef are in charge of a certain section of the kitchen)

Courses Offered

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (General)
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (patisserie)
• Certificate IV in commercial Cookery
• Diploma of Hospitality

Education Pathways

Chef (351311) – Is currently on the Skilled Occupation List. The skills assessment for Chef’s is delivered through TRA.

The current skill level requirement: The current entry requirement as a chef is an AQF Diploma or higher qualification. Chefs must first established a case as Cook (4 year apprenticeship or AQF III education) and at least 3 years relevant experience as Chef there after (a total of seven years). However there are other options such as the temporary graduate visa and possibly the Job Ready Program.

Options for a Temporary Graduate Visa

If undertaking study in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa. This visa allows the holder 1.5 years unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.

If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people to have their skills assessed without having the experience.

*Note* It is never recommended to undertake study for soul the purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia.

Job Forecasts & Facts.

• In 2013, there were 85000 people employed around Australia as a Qualified Chef.
• Over the next 4 years there is expected to be, 40% growth in the hospitality industry creating more jobs for Qualified Chefs.
• A lot of Migrants to Australia tend to go in to hospitality roles due to the amount of cultural restaurants in Australia.
• The higher paid areas for chefs in Australia tend to be in; Mining, Casinos, Fine Dinning Restaurants & Hotels/ Resorts.
• Chefs in Australia tend to work different hours to most people. It is very common practice for Chefs to work a few Hours in the Morning doing preparation work for service. Then go Home and come back when food service starts. This is known as a Split Shift.

For More Information about this course Click here or to find out more about what to do after you Graduate please contact Pathway To Aus.