Introduction:
Everybody who aspires to work as a cook or chef has at some point in their lives encountered cert 3 and 4 in commercial cooking. Do you also need clarification about the difference between cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery? In this blog, we will discuss the major difference between Cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery and tell you how each course can help you excel in this field of Culinary. Cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery give you more hands-on experience and expertise to excel in this field at a professional level. Furthermore, Chefs who go through these courses are likely to have a very promising career, the skillset they acquire through these certifications can be applied worldwide. To better understand the difference between cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery let us first dive into what is commercial cookery.
What is Commercial Cookery?
The Commercial Cookery students are trained to prepare a variety of meals in a large setting. These settings may be schools, childcare, agecares, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, cruiseliners, and airlines. To make it short and easy to understand, any cuisine in a commercial setting is referred to as commercial cookery. Some prominent roles of commercial cookery students are:
- The staff should know how to operate different kitchen equipment systems for multiple functions.
- The staff is responsible for cleaning and taking care of the commercial supplies and appliances available in the kitchen.
- The staff should be well aware of the menu offered and how to prepare the ordered meals.
- Staff should know how to prepare local and gourmet meals in their specific region.
- There should be a good bond between all the team members and they should work in a team.
- The preparatory part of the meal is also very important which requires chopping raw material, transferring food into specific containers and plating them.
- A good understanding of the safety precautions and general emergency protocols is also very important while working in a commercial kitchen setting.
With the responsibilities discussed above, there are also various other roles related to commercial cookery staff. All the roles lie in prepping and cooking meals and managing a sizeable team.
Different Types Of Commercial Cookery Certificates Available In Australia:
The commercial cookery field can result in a very rewarding career because the kind of skillset and exposure you get here helps you everywhere in the world. You can work in all types of cuisines because Australian cuisine is very diverse and has a mixture of every other cuisine across the globe.
Most of the colleges and universities of Australia offer 4 kinds of Commercial Cookery certification courses which are:
- Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery
- Certificate 4 in Commercial Cookery
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Advanced Diploma In Hospitality Management
Moreover, Choosing the right certification to pursue your goals can be a tough call. In this Blog, we have mentioned some key differences between the two most popular certifications which are cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery.
Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery:
Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery develops the right set of knowledge and skills in students which makes them competent in the field of culinary. Upon successful completion of this cookery course, students are sent to work placements. They complete their designated hours of practical work for this course. In commercial cookery work placements students learn practical skills by handling every kitchen procedure to making the dish from scratch on their own. However, After the successful work placement students are qualified to work independently in a commercial kitchen under the role of chef or a cook.
This program is focused on international culinary topics with a mix of local gourmet cuisine. After completing this course a student is well aware of traditional and modern cooking styles that are followed throughout Australia and worldwide. The program starts at a basic level such as preparing vegetables, handling knives, and trussing a bird. During this course, a student learns planning and preparation, proper food and equipment. And an introduction to mostly recognised presentation styles in Australia. You will also learn how to prepare glazes, stocks, canapes, sauces, meat, pastries, cake, seafood meals, and poultry with a lot of other things.
In this course, some very crucial and critical industry skills are also covered. These skills are food safety, hygiene, cooperation, and supply organisations. Also mastering the fundamentals of cookery like soups, sauces, stocks, pasta dishes, eggs, and vegetables are included. Moreover, this course comes with the freedom to use your skills anywhere you want. From cruise liners to airliners, from restaurants to hotels. You can work in any kind of setting that matches your comfort level.
Career Outcomes:
The career outcomes after completing this certification are mostly likely to be catering team helper, kitchen attendant, head chef, sous chef, banquet manager, restaurant manager, catering manager, food and beverage manager, qualified cook, or chef and executive chef.
Certificate 4 in Commercial Cookery:
If a student wants to further advance their cooking skills they can go for Certificate 4 in commercial cookery. Certificate 3 is a prerequisite in this case. You cannot go for Certificate 4 without completing Certificate 3. In this certification, students focus on advanced-level skills like recipe development, menu design and modern-day cuisine. This program also involves some studies of business subjects and modern technology. Providing an understanding to succeed in the business world also.
The main study subjects that this course focuses on may include molecular gastronomy, modernist degustation dinners, Pates and terrines, butchery masterclasss, contemporary dishes and buffets, and matching food with wine. The main difference between Cert 3 and 4 in commercial cookery is that Certificate 4 includes a higher understanding of the business aspects related to this field. Now these aspects are management of the restaurant including food and staff costing, marketing, financial control, human resource, and business planning.
Career Outcomes:
The possible business outcomes after completing this certification are most likely Catering Manager, Food Entrepreneur, Kitchen Operations Manager, Banquet Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Executive Chef, Restaurant Manager, and Restaurant Owner.
So Which Qualification You Should Go For?
There are a lot of factors involved whether which qualification you should go for. If you are passionate enough about this career then these qualifications will take you places and help you grow in this field of cooking. Cert 3 is preferred when you are kickstarting your career, you can gain enough practical work experience from Cert 3 and afterwards, you can jump to Cert 4 to enhance your degree and skills in the field of culinary.
Why Is Commercial Cookery Certification Important?
As we know, over the past many years the tourism business in Australia has increased a lot. Many people choose Australia for their vacation spot, the government is also taking big steps to maintain this tourism increase in the country. For this reason, the hospitality sector of Australia has evolved with a significant change. The quality and lifestyle provided to the tourists is up to the mark. The Hospitality sector shares a major part in the cookery industry, Commercial Cookery is the backbone of hospitality. With this massive tourism happening in the country, there are loads of commercial cookery experts needed in the field. We have a lot of gaps in the job market as many industries are looking for good and capable chefs, And in the coming years, we see this massive tourism growing more rapidly so there is always a security of career in this field.
Wapping Up: Why You Should Study A Commercial Cookery Course in Australia?
If you are an aspiring chef or dream to open your cafe or restaurant then these certifications can add a good value to your skills. However, the Australian commercial cooking industry is very rewarding and is known for its vibrant lifestyle and multicultural diversity. The number of opportunities that this industry provides are countless and you can utilise your skills in any part of the world. The main reason for the advantage is again the diversity in the cuisines. Furthermore, you gain experience in learning almost all sorts of cuisines that are loved across the globe. With a recent boom in the hospitality industry, there is a clear chance of employment and growth here. If we talk about today, there is a big gap of good, competent chefs and culinary experts in this field and you can fill this gap with your skills.
How To Grab a Good Work Placement In Commercial Cookery?
We are SkilTrak and we provide top-notch work placements in some of the well-reputated industries of Australia. We provide our services to both Registered Training Organisations and individual students. SkilTrak has successfully placed thousands of students in the top-rated industries of Australia. Our placement coordinators work on the preferences and needs of students and help them land in their desired industry. For real time student testimonials you can also visit our Facebook page. If you want to start your placement journey then visit SkilTrak’s Website and get in touch with us,
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How well is the employment opportunity for commercial cookery students?
There is a significant gap in this field. With an increase in the hospitality and tourism sector, there is a big gap to be filled for employment. If you are good at cooking skills and well aware of the cuisines that are mostly offered then you have a good chance to land a job that can also provide you with career growth.
Q. How much I can earn as a cook?
A commercial cookery expert's yearly earnings depend on the rank to which they are employed. The average salary of a culinary expert is around 45,000 AUD to 100,000 AUD annually.
Q. Is Australian Cuisine Culture Diverse?
Australian food culture has evolved over the past many years. There are a number of overseas families who shifted to Australia and brought their culture and cuisines along. This fascinating food culture makes culinary professionals excited towards their jobs. They learn a diverse range of cuisines that can also be beneficial for them to work globally.
