SIT20421 - Certificate II in Cookery
Overview
Earn this qualification to attain the skills and knowledge essential for boosting confidence in a variety of kitchen operations and tasks. Learn fundamental culinary techniques, spice up your skills, and master the art of creating delectable dishes.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in kitchens who use a defined and limited range of food preparation and cookery skills to prepare food and menu items. They are involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks and work under direct supervision. This qualification does not meet the requirements for trade recognition as a cook, but can provide a pathway towards achieving that.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Study Experience
- Training Restaurant
- Flexible Online Study
- Experienced Teaching Team
Career Opportunities
SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery provides a pathway to work in kitchen operations in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops; and institutions such as aged care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and schools.
Structure & Availability
On Campus
Duration:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 33 weeks |
33 weeks part-time one day per week (8hr) Tuesday + 12 services (Wednesdays or in industry). However, as it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Online self-paced study is required.
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
Start TAFE Now (STN) - ON CAMPUS
Duration:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 33 weeks |
33 weeks part-time one day per week (8hr) Tuesday + 12 services (Wednesday or in industry). However, as it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Online self-paced study is required.
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
Trainees
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 52 weeks | 104 weeks |
52 weeks full-time or 104 weeks part-time (as per registered training contract). However, as it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level and agreed workplace sign off.
Student must be within a Queensland registered traineeship.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
Start TAFE Now - Online
Duration:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 52 weeks |
52 weeks part-time. However, as it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Online self-paced study is required along with placement in industry to for practical sign off including 12 kitchen service periods.
This program structure is suited to secondary school students to complete over Years 11 and 12.
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
ONLINE
Duration:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 52 weeks |
52 weeks online with vocational placement in industry.
As a requirement for practical assessment and 12 required services, students will need to be working in a suitable commercial cookery business, as a paid employee or volunteer.
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
RPL Structure
Duration:RPL Only
The time to complete this qualification via RPL is dependent on the timely supply of suitable RPL evidence by the candidate. Generally, RPL may take a duration between 3 and 6 months.
RPL Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
On Campus
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | On-campus, Mackay City, Rockhampton City |
| February, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City, Rockhampton City |
| March, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City, Rockhampton City |
Start TAFE Now (STN)
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | On-campus, Mackay City, Rockhampton City |
| March, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
Start TAFE Now - Online with Vocational Placement
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2026 | Online |
Start TAFE Now (STN) - ON CAMPUS
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City, Rockhampton City |
This course has no residential schools.
For campus-based students, practical skills will be demonstrated in CQUniversity's Training Kitchen.
Any students undertaking the online delivery MUST be working within industry (paid or voluntary) for their practical assessment sign off and required 12 service periods. Noting that an industry supervisor must have relevant qualification or experience (minimum 3 years) of the course content. Evidence of suitable industry supervision will be required. CQUniversity will arrange the necessary vocational placement agreements; however, it is the responsibility of prospective students to identify a local business or organisation who will support and host them for the duration of the placement period.
Important information relating to online student Vocational Placement will be documented in the Vocational Placement Host Employer Pack.
Requirements
CQUniversity requires completion of bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.
Commencing Start TAFE Now students must be in Year 11.
DURING YOUR STUDY:
- Any students undertaking the Online delivery MUST be working within industry (paid or voluntary) or undertaking vocational placement for their practical assessment sign off and required 12 service periods. Noting that an industry supervisor must have relevant qualification or experience (minimum 3 years) of the course content. Evidence of suitable industry supervision will be required. CQUniversity will arrange the necessary vocational placement agreements; however, it is the responsibility of prospective students to identify a local business or organisation who will support and host them for the duration of the placement period.
- Although not mandatory, campus students may find it beneficial to be working in the hospitality industry to obtain a number of the required 12 services
- Students must have access to a computer with internet and have basic computer skills
- 12 kitchen service periods are required for this qualification
- Please note, where undertaking Campus based delivery, minimum student numbers are required to be met prior to course commencement
What to wear:
- Nonslip enclosed black footwear
- Long black pants/slacks
- Black collared shirt (no logos, print etc)
- No jewellery
or
- White chef jacket
- Checked chef pants
- White chef cap
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
As a high school student, you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) program which is fee-free. Course specific costs may be applicable, an example would be high vis clothing and safety boots for trade courses.
If you are currently enrolled in or have previously completed a VETiS funded course, you will not be eligible for future VETiS funding.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.
Students must have a genuine interest in pursuing a post school vocational occupation to receive VETiS funding.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
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