Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work as a cook. It incorporates all aspects of organising, preparing and cooking a variety of food items across different service periods and menu types; using a range of cooking methods and team coordination skills. The unit integrates key technical and organisational skills required by a qualified commercial cook. It brings together the skills and knowledge covered in individual units and focuses on the way they must be applied in a commercial kitchen.
The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers. Menu types may be classical, contemporary or ethnic and service may be formal or informal.
It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Organise and prepare for food service or production. | 1.1. Determine and calculate ingredient quantities to meet organisational requirements for quality and style according to recipes and specifications. 1.2. Complete mise en place lists that are clear, complete and appropriate to the situation. 1.3. Liaise with other team members about menu requirements, workgroup and job roles. 1.4. Follow a work flow to maximise efficiency, taking into consideration time, resources and the roles and responsibilities of other team members. 1.5. Complete food organisation and preparation according to different workgroup, food production and service requirements. |
2. Cook and present menu items for food service or production. | 2.1. Select and use appropriate commercial equipment to produce menu items in line with manufacturer specifications. 2.2. Cook menu items according to menu type and service style, using appropriate cookery methods, adjusting where required. 2.3. Adjust menu items and ingredients to meet special requests or dietary requirements of customers. 2.4. Produce menu items to meet customer expectations of quality, appeal of presentation and timeliness of delivery. 2.5. Work supportively as part of a kitchen team and delegate tasks appropriately, in a manner that promotes cooperation and good relationships. 2.6. Follow workplace safety and hygiene procedures according to organisational and legislative requirements. 2.7. Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the work environment. |
3. Complete end of shift requirements. | 3.1. Complete end of shift pack down according to organisational procedures. 3.2. Store food items appropriately to minimise food spoilage, contamination and waste. 3.3. Participate in post-shift debrief or handover, encouraging, acknowledging and acting on constructive feedback. |
4. Deal effectively with issues, problems and conflict in the kitchen. | 4.1. Respect differences in personal values and beliefs, linguistic and cultural differences and their importance in the development of relationships. 4.2. Identify issues, problems and conflict encountered in the workplace. 4.3. Seek assistance from workgroup members when issues, problems and conflict arise and suggest possible ways of dealing with them as appropriate or refer them to the appropriate person. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
safely and hygienically prepare, cook and serve menu items for a minimum of 48 complete service periods in a commercial kitchen, that cover a combination of:
breakfast
dinner
lunch
during the above service periods, prepare, cook and present items for at least two of the following different menu styles:
à la carte
set menu
buffet
cyclical
during the above service periods, prepare, cook and serve items from the following food types that meet industry and organisational quality requirements:
appetisers and salads
fish and shellfish
hot and cold desserts
meat, poultry and game
stocks, sauces and soups
vegetables, fruit, eggs and farinaceous products
during the above service periods:
multi-task and integrate technical and other skills to respond to multiple demands simultaneously
work professionally as part of a team and coordinate team activities in line with kitchen roles and responsibilities, and organisational requirements
respond to special customer requests and dietary requirements
prepare, plate and present dishes within the typical time constraints of a commercial kitchen.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
basic principles and methods of cookery
culinary terms commonly used in the industry
characteristics of food from all main food categories
features of standard recipes
organisational procedures for:
planning, preparing and storing food
workplace safety and hygiene
end of shift
cleaning procedures
post-shift debrief or handover
preparations for the next food service period
re-stocking
storing food items
strategies for conflict management
essential principles and practices related to:
planning and organising work
food safety and hygiene
kitchen safety and cleanliness
varying requirements of different food service periods and menu types
safe and hygienic operational practices using essential functions and features of commercial kitchen equipment in use.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in an operational commercial kitchen. This can be:
an industry workplace; or
a simulated industry environment, such as an industry-realistic training kitchen servicing customers.
Assessment must ensure access to:
fixtures and equipment used to facilitate preparation of dishes as specified in the performance evidence
food safe gloves
cleaning materials and equipment:
cleaning cloths
commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning commercial kitchens, equipment and food storage areas
dustpans and brooms
garbage bins and bags
hand towel dispenser and hand towels
mops and buckets
separate hand basin and soap for hand washing
sponges, brushes and scourers
tea towels
organisational specifications:
equipment manufacturer instructions
current commercial stock control procedures and documentation for ordering, monitoring and maintaining stock
mise en place lists and standard recipes
food safety plans
guidelines relating to food disposal, storage and presentation requirements
safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning agents and chemicals
diverse and comprehensive range of perishable and non-perishable food supplies for commercial cookery or catering operations.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors and:
have achieved the Certificate III or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, or Certificate III or IV in Catering Operations, or their successors; or
hold a trade certificate as a cook or chef or equivalent;
and
have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | select and apply the organisational procedures and strategies needed to perform work effectively review customer special requests and dietary requirements and interpret required changes to food preparation lists and recipes. |
Writing skills to: | record clear sequenced instructions for work schedules. |
Oral communication skills to: | listen to colleague and customer comments, complaints and questions respond to colleagues’ feedback, providing information and asking questions to clarify when further information is necessary. |
Numeracy skills to: | measure quantities of ingredients using simple measuring instruments. |
Problem-solving skills to: | evaluate dishes and make adjustments to ensure a quality product anticipate and respond to kitchen operation challenges. |
Teamwork skills to: | brief and debrief members of the kitchen team on new products and recipes discuss process improvements and changes to food production and service requirements. |
Planning and organising skills to: | prioritise, sequence, delegate and monitor tasks and processes. |
Self-management skills to: | deal with pressure of work and kitchen conditions coordinate own safe work across multiple tasks. |
Sectors
Hospitality
Competency Field
Commercial Cookery and Catering