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Chef Courses in Cairns

A Chef plans menus, prepares meals, manages kitchen staff, and ensures quality, working in restaurants, cafés, or catering with diverse dietary needs.

    • AI Exposure: Medium

      This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.

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  • This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Chef in Cairns?

Get qualified to work as a Chef with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Chef generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly over the last five years. There are currently 101,000 people employed as a Chef in Australia compared to 80,200 five years ago. Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re planning a career as a Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. You’ll learn basic cooking and food preparation methods and develop the skills to cook a range of meals, appetisers, salads and desserts. A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or a Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery) may also be appropriate.

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Further reading

Career spotlight: Hospitality professionals

17th September 2019

What can you do with a Certificate III in Hospitality?

14th December 2020

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

Chef careers

Embarking on a culinary career is an exciting journey, and the Chef courses in Cairns offer a variety of options for aspiring chefs. For those starting fresh, the beginner qualifications such as the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30821 and the Food Safety Supervision Skill Set SITSS00069 are excellent choices to develop fundamental skills. Additionally, there are specialised courses like the Food Safety Supervision Skill Set - For Community Services and Health Industries HLTSS00061 designed for those looking to excel in niche areas of food safety.

For individuals with prior culinary experience, the advanced course options, such as the Certificate IV In Asian Cookery SIT40821, allow for further enhancement of skills and expertise. This progression not only prepares you for more sophisticated culinary roles but also opens doors to exciting job opportunities in various sectors within the hospitality industry. Exploring related roles through the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality courses can also provide valuable insights into careers such as a Catering Assistant, Kitchen Attendant, or even an Executive Chef.

Cairns, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, is the perfect backdrop for students pursuing chef training. The local culture and emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce create an ideal learning environment for aspiring chefs. As you navigate these Chef courses in Cairns, you will find a wealth of knowledge that prepares you for pivotal roles such as a Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, or a future Catering Manager. By taking these steps, you are setting yourself on a path to success within the culinary arts, further complemented by links to industry-driven roles such as Food Services Assistant and Chef de Partie.