Course at a Glance

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Training Outcome
Nationally recognised qualification certificate
Pathways
This qualification provides a pathway to work in a kitchen in venues such as: Restaurants, Hotels, Catering operations, Clubs, Pubs, Cafes, Coffee shops, Aged care facilities, Hospitals, Prisons & Schools
Course Duration
13 Months
Course Delivery
One to two days a month, delivered face-to-face
Valid In
Queensland
Start Date
Rolling intake all year long

Course duration depends on the funding stream, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning. The course can be completed quicker or slower depending on individual circumstances.

Unit of Competencies

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SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery includes 13 units of competencies, including 7 core units and 6 elective units. CTA Training Specialists offers the following units of competencies to students:

Core Units

SITHCCC023*
Use food preparation equipment
SITHCCC027*
Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery
SITHCCC034*^
Work effectively in a commercial kitchen
SITHKOP009*
Clean kitchen premises and equipment
SITXFSA005
Use hygienic practices for food safety
SITXINV006*
Receive, store and maintain stock
SITXWHS005
Participate in safe work practices

Elective Units

SITHCCC024*
Prepare and present simple dishes
SITHCCC025*
Prepare and present sandwiches
SITHCCC028*
Prepare appetisers and salads
SITXCCS011
Interact with customers
SITXCOM007
Show social and cultural sensitivity
SITXFSA006
Participate in safe food handling practices
HLTAID011
Provide First Aid

Units marked with an * have a prerequisite/s units.

Units marked with a ^ has workplace requirements.

For further information please email [email protected]

Qualification Outcome

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CTA Training Specialists will issue you a nationally recognised qualification upon completing all requirements of this course.

Study Pathways

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Pathways into this qualification

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Pathways from this qualification

This qualification opens the door to careers in kitchen operations within various settings, including restaurants, hotels, catering services, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops, as well as institutions like aged care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and schools.

You can continue your studies through the following qualifications:

  • SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery to work as a qualified professional chef.
  • SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

Credit Transfer/ Recognition of Prior Learning

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You can transfer credits to this qualification if you have completed any of the core or elective units through other RTOs or previous qualifications. CTA does not charge fees for transferring credits. CTA also offers recognition of prior learning (RPL) for specific units (not available for school based traineeships). For more information about credit transfers and RPLs, please contact us at [email protected].

Funding Options

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Vet Investment (VET in Schools (VETiS)): FREE if enrolled and completed while still in school (years 10, 11 and 12).

User Choice (Traineeship):

  • School-based traineeship: FREE
  • Non-school-based traineeship: Approx $800 based on $1.60 per nominal hour for each unit of competency.

Fee for Service: $5,395 ($415 per unit to be completed).

Eligibility Criteria

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VET Investment – VET in Schools (VETiS)

Queensland school students can take nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications while still in school (Years 10, 11, and 12). These courses count towards the Queensland Certificate of Education and are aligned with jobs and skills in demand.
Schools, in consultation with students and their parents, can choose any approved provider to deliver the eligible qualifications under this funding stream.

User Choice

The User Choice program provides public funding for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees to help cover the cost of training and assessment services. The program allows apprentices, trainees, and employers to choose their preferred registered training organisation (RTO). Training providers must be approved by the department as a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) to deliver the eligible qualifications under this funding. Students only pay for the number of units they complete as CTA Training Specialists do not charge for credit transfers.

Partial Exemptions

60% reduction in fees are available for those who are either:

  • The participant holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and is named on the card. (Evidence: copy of health care card)
  • The participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. (Evidence: stated on the training contract (SRTO) and enrolment form)

Fee For Service Training

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Fee For Service Training is for students who are not eligible for government funding. Students only pay for the number of units they complete as CTA Training Specialists do not charge for credit transfers. Additional information about funding and eligibility criteria can be found here: Funding Options at CTA Training Specialists

Benefits

What are the Benefits of the SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery?

The SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery provides the essential skills required for entry-level positions in commercial kitchens. Graduates can pursue roles such as kitchen hand, commis chef, or food preparation assistant, making it an excellent starting point for a culinary career.

This qualification covers basic food preparation techniques, cooking methods, kitchen safety, and hygiene practices. These foundational skills are critical for anyone looking to build a career in the culinary arts and ensure students are well-prepared to handle various kitchen tasks.

The course includes hands-on training in commercial kitchens, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their skills in real-world settings. This practical component ensures graduates are job-ready and can perform effectively in a professional kitchen environment.

The Certificate II in Cookery serves as a stepping stone to more advanced culinary qualifications, such as the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. This progression opens up opportunities for higher-level roles and further career development in the hospitality industry.

As a nationally recognised qualification, the SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery is valued by employers across Australia. It demonstrates a commitment to the culinary profession and provides a competitive edge in the job market.

The course emphasises the importance of teamwork and effective communication in a kitchen setting. These skills are crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient kitchen operation, contributing to a positive work environment.

With this qualification, graduates can explore various roles within the culinary and hospitality sectors. Whether working in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or catering companies, the skills gained from this course are applicable in multiple culinary settings.

FAQs

After completing your Cert II in cookery you can take up kitchen hand jobs in a number of different hospitality venues. This qualification doesn’t quite give you the skills to be a cook or a chef, but it is a good stepping stone to get there.

You do not need a Cert 2 to work in a kitchen, but the qualification does help you understand the foundational skills that most employers will look for when hiring kitchen staff.

Once you complete your Certificate II in Cookery, you can progress your hospitality career through work or further studies. For example, you can use a Cert 2 to apply for an entry-level kitchen hand job. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and apply for a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery to hone your cooking and business skills.