Apprentice Chef

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Career Insights

Full Time Average
Weekly Wage
$1,250 to $1,530
Earnings for full-time employees before tax.

The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.
Full Time/Part Time
Split
78%22%
This shows the proportion of workers who work part-time.

The information uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of part-time, which is working less than 35 hours per week.
Currently Employed
Workers
133,300
The total number of people employed in Australia in November 2025 for this occupation.

It includes both full-time and part-time workers.
Future Job Openings
Next Five Years
5k - 10k
An estimate of the number of job opportunities likely to be available over the next five years.

It does not provide any guidance about the number of job seekers for this occupation.
Current
Unemployment
Average
The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed).
An occupation may have high unemployment but may also be experiencing shortages for particular skills.
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Career Details

Chefs plan and organise the preparation and cooking of food in dining and catering establishments.

Most occupations in this field typically require an Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

planning menus, estimating food and labour costs, and ordering food supplies
monitoring quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation
discussing food preparation issues with Managers, Dietitians and kitchen and waiting staff
demonstrating techniques and advising on cooking procedures
preparing and cooking food
explaining and enforcing hygiene regulations
may select and train staff
may freeze and preserve foods

Occupation:

Chef

Chef

Plans and organises the preparation and cooking of food in a dining or catering establishment.

Specialisations:

Chef de Partie
Commis Chef
Demi Chef
Second Chef
Sous Chef

Find out more

Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.

Link - Apprentice Chef