National code: SIT30921

Certificate III in Catering

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Overview About this course

Create new and memorable ways for your customers to enjoy food. Refine your culinary skills and modify dishes to suit individual needs and requests in your workplace. Explore the endless opportunities available to you both in Australia and overseas.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Prepare dishes using a variety of cooking techniques

  • Create dishes that reflect current food trends and techniques

  • Use commercial cooking equipment

  • Apply basic knife and knife sharpening skills

  • Follow food safety regulations

  • Modify dishes to suit your workplace

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level

  • Credit towards the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

  • Confidence to experiment with new ingredients and new ways to present food

  • Experience in dealing with modifying food to suit customer needs and requests

  • Exposure to a variety of food trends and techniques

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • Any evidence your workplace requires

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in following recipes to provide high quality dishes

  • A passion for contemporary food styles and trends

  • Good multitasking and time management skills

  • An interest in working in a diverse range of settings such as events, childcare centres, aged care facilities or any other commercial kitchen

  • 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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: catering assistant, cook and food service assistant.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Catering does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Related study 2 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

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.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Catering qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 10 core and 10 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.

  • Use food preparation equipment SITHCCC023

  • Prepare and present simple dishes SITHCCC024

  • Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery SITHCCC027

  • Work effectively in a commercial kitchen SITHCCC034

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.