What is a Chef?

A Chef plans and organises the preparation and cooking of food in dining or catering establishments.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is an AQF Diploma or higher qualification or at least 3 years relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

: Plans menus and estimates food and labour costs in consultation with the Head Chef implements staff rosters and supervises the activities of cooks and assistants discusses food preparation issues with managers, dieticians and other staff members requisitions food, kitchen supplies and equipment demonstrates techniques to cooks and advises them on cooking procedures prepares and cooks food portions food, adds gravies, sauces and garnishes explains and enforces hygiene regulations may select and train staff may freeze and preserve foods.

Specialisations:
: Chef de Partie
: Commis Chef
: Demi Chef
: Second Chef
: Sous Chef


What is a Cook?

A Cook prepares, seasons and cooks food in catering and dining establishments.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is an AQF Certificate III or higher qualification.

Tasks Include:

: examines food to ensure quality regulates temperatures of ovens,
: grills and other cooking equipment prepares and cooks food seasons food during cooking portions food, places it in dishes,
: adds gravies or sauces, and garnishes stores food in temperature controlled facilities may plan menus and estimate food requirements
: may prepare food to meet special dietary requirements may train other kitchen staff and apprentices.


What is an Apprentice Cook or Chef?

An Apprentice Cook or Chef works and studies under a contractual training agreement to learn the skills of a Cook or Chef.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is completion of compulsory secondary education. Registration or licensing is required through the relevant State Training Authority.

Tasks Include:

: performs tasks of increasing complexity during the apprenticeship under the
: guidance of a Cook or Chef
: may attend classes at a TAFE institute, or other vocational training
: provider to learn the theory and application of the trade
: may attend periods of structured off-the-job training provided by employers in a formal training centre
: Works and studies under a contractual training agreement to learn the skills of a Cook or Chef.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is completion of compulsory secondary education. Registration or licensing is required through the relevant State Training Authority.

Tasks Include:

: performs tasks of increasing complexity during the apprenticeship under the
: guidance of a Cook or Chef
: may attend classes at a TAFE institute, or other vocational training provider to learn the theory and application of the trade
: may attend periods of structured off-the-job training provided by employers in a formal training centre


What is a Head Chef?

A Head Chef plans menus, estimates costs and supervises and coordinates the activities of Chefs and Cooks who prepare and cook food in catering and dining establishments.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is an AQF Diploma or higher qualification or at least 3 years relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

: plans menus and advises chefs and cooks on sizes of portions and servings
: reviews labour and food costs and arranges menus according to budgets
: confers with customers regarding plans for special occasions, such as weddings and banquets
: arranges for equipment purchases and repairs
: examines supplies of foodstuffs to ensure quality consults with establishment management to discuss problems and plans
: demonstrates techniques and advises on cooking procedures may perform the tasks of a Chef


Specialisations:
Executive Chef

Ref: Statistical Concepts Library
Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) Second Edition
Structure & Definitions