Build the technical skills and industry knowledge you need to enter the cookery or hospitality industries. Gain experience working in a commercial kitchen as a kitchen hand and learn from some of the industry’s best seasoned culinary professionals.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Read recipes and follow instructions
Prepare simple dishes using commercial equipment
Work with other team members to produce food
Prepare and present food in a simulated commercial kitchen
Practise safe food preparation and hygiene
Receive, store and maintain stock
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate II level
A pathway to further study in cookery and hospitality
Confidence and competence to work in a commercial kitchen environment
Experience in working during real service periods with customers
Skills to apply safe food handling practices
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in pursuing a career in the cookery or hospitality industry
Effective communication skills
The ability to follow instructions
Good multitasking skills and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment
An ability to supply your own uniform or toolkit. Your teacher will provide you with a list of required supplies before the start of class.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: kitchen hand and kitchen assistant.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate II in Cookery does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate II in Cookery qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 13 units of competency, including 7 core and 6 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
There are a total of 33 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Carpentry, Joinery and Furniture