SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Invest in yourself and become a qualified chef. You can work in five-star hotel kitchens, restaurants around the world, cruise ships, boutique cafes and more.
Information Session:
2nd June, 2026 at SMB Campus - Building J, Prospects Training Restaurant
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Course 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.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $935 | $4,676 | $20,264 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $1,200.
Other study costs
Students are required to supply their own chef’s uniforms, chef’s tool kit, black non-slip industry standard footwear.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2026
Locations
Ballarat (workplace)
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Ballarat (workplace)
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Non-Apprentice: 2 days per week on Campus for 18 months.
Apprentice: Attend on average 1 day per fortnight on Campus for 3 years, studying alongside full-time work.
Approximately 2 hours per week of self-directed, independent learning.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Use food preparation equipmentSITHCCC023
- Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookerySITHCCC027
- Prepare appetisers and saladsSITHCCC028
- Prepare stocks, sauces and soupsSITHCCC029
- Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishesSITHCCC030
- Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishesSITHCCC031
- Prepare poultry dishesSITHCCC035
- Prepare meat dishesSITHCCC036
- Prepare seafood dishesSITHCCC037
- Produce cakes, pastries and breadsSITHCCC041
- Prepare food to meet special dietary requirementsSITHCCC042
- Work effectively as a cookSITHCCC043
- Clean kitchen premises and equipmentSITHKOP009
- Plan and cost recipesSITHKOP010
- Produce dessertsSITHPAT016
- Use hygienic practices for food safetySITXFSA005
- Participate in safe food handling practicesSITXFSA006
- Coach others in job skillsSITXHRM007
- Receive, store and maintain stockSITXINV006
- Participate in safe work practicesSITXWHS005
- Provide First AidHLTAID011
- Prepare dishes using basic methods of Asian cookerySITHASC020
- Prepare and present sandwichesSITHCCC025
- Prepare specialised food itemsSITHCCC044
- Produce yeast-based bakery productsSITHPAT014
- Provide service to customersSITXCCS014
- Show social and cultural sensitivitySITXCOM007
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- JAW
- National course code
- SIT30821
Pathways:
SIT40521- Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
SIT40721- Certificate IV in Patisserie