Certificate III in Catering

SIT30921

This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.

Overview

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in catering operations who use a range of cookery skills and sound knowledge of kitchen operations to prepare food items. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence and under limited supervision using plans, policies and procedures to guide work activities.

This qualification does not meet the requirements for trade recognition as a cook, but can provide a pathway towards achieving that.

This qualification provides a pathway to work in various catering settings, such as hospitals and aged care facilities, sporting and entertainment venues, hotel banqueting departments, cook–chill production kitchens, and mobile catering businesses of varying size.

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 qualification at the time of publication.

  • Financial help

    • Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:

      • Career Start (apprenticeship)
      • Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s

      *To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.

      Check your eligibility

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    • VET Student Loans are not available
    • You may need to pay for equipment or materials.

    To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.

  • On-the-job training

    • Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.

    This apprenticeship is available:

    • Catering Operations

  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

    • Through apprenticeship:
      2 years
    • Qualification only:
      1–2 years

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Workplace-based
    • Some classroom learning
    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Practical learning

Course content

This course is made up of units.

All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.

For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.

Unit Unit type
Clean kitchen premises and equipment Core
Coach others in job skills Core
Participate in safe food handling practices Core
Participate in safe work practices Core
Prepare and present simple dishes Core
Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery Core
Receive, store and maintain stock Core
Use food preparation equipment Core
Use hygienic practices for food safety Core
Work effectively in a commercial kitchen Core
Assist with the monitoring and modification of meals and menus according to individualised plans Elective
Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks Elective
Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms Elective
Operate a bar Elective
Package prepared foodstuffs Elective
Participate in sustainable work practices Elective
Plan and cost recipes Elective
Prepare and present sandwiches Elective
Prepare and serve cheese Elective
Prepare and serve espresso coffee Elective
Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages Elective
Prepare appetisers and salads Elective
Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements Elective
Prepare meat dishes Elective
Prepare poultry dishes Elective
Prepare seafood dishes Elective
Prepare stocks, sauces and soups Elective
Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishes Elective
Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes Elective
Process financial transactions Elective
Produce and serve food for buffets Elective
Produce cakes Elective
Produce cakes, pastries and breads Elective
Produce cook-chill and cook-freeze foods Elective
Produce desserts Elective
Produce pastries Elective
Produce yeast-based bakery products Elective
Provide advice on food Elective
Provide First Aid Elective
Provide responsible service of alcohol Elective
Provide service to customers Elective
Purchase goods Elective
Re-thermalise chilled and frozen foods Elective
Serve food and beverage Elective
Transport and store food Elective
Use social media and online tools Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate III in Catering sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Pastrycook

    ANZSCO 351112

    Pastrycooks prepare and bake buns, cakes, biscuits and pastry goods.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Chef

    ANZSCO 351311

    Plan and prepare food for customers and guests.

    Recommended education level:
    Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree

  • Cook

    ANZSCO 351411

    Prepare and cook food to fulfil customer orders.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Cafe Worker

    ANZSCO 431211

    Prepare, serve and sell food and drinks to customers at cafes and similar establishments.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate I or secondary education

  • Other Food Trades Assistant

    ANZSCO 851299

    Other Food Trades Assistants include jobs like Butcher's Assistant, Chef's Assistant, and Cook's Assistant.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate I or secondary education

Training providers delivering Certificate III in Catering

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 15 providers

How to enrol in this course

To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.

When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.

The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.
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