Do you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, love to cook for others or be creative with food? Have you considered a career in hospitality? Studying commercial cookery is a popular choice amongst international students, inspired by the high standards of Australia’s trendy restaurant scene and expert culinary schools where students learn from experts.

A strong reputation for original cafes and bars, Australia’s hospitality scene is also multicultural and competitive, making it desirable for aspiring café owners and chefs. The appetite for great food and the competitiveness means that Australians are continually surprised and delighted by what is served up on their plate; from new food fusions, latte variations, exotic cuisine, or lining up for the latest restaurant that doesn’t take bookings!

It’s no surprise that hospitality is a growing industry and is predicted to grow 12% over the next 5 years, employing an extra 91,000 people.

Employees in hospitality in Australia earn a decent salary even in an entry level position and employees can move quickly up the career ladder. A kitchen or restaurant is a fast-paced environment requiring workers to think on their feet and work well together, so good communication and intrapersonal skills are necessary to work in this dynamic environment.

Read on about the benefits of studying commercial cookery and how it could lead to permanent residency and possible career outcomes.

Strong customer service

Hospitality workers have strong communication and listening skills, delivering a high level of service and are able to emphasise with the customer; making them feel like their concerns and complaints are being heard. A level of emotional intelligence is needed to pick up on social cues and relate well to customers.

Ability to multi task

The hospitality scene is quick paced and involves highly stressful situations; workers need to be able to think on their feet, solve the problems at hand, whilst keeping an eye on the entire situation and anticipating what might need to be done next.

Tap into your creative ability

Chefs have input in creating the menu and designing the visual appearance of meals as well. This involves an eye for design and good business sense in producing a menu that pleases the end customers and makes good business sense.

Have great people skills

As well as working in a challenging and stimulating environment, hospitality is highly social, working often with a big team and with the opportunity to interact and converse with customers. Strong communication skills are important to engage the customer and to work effectively in a high stress environment.

Occupation in demand

Benefit from working in a sector that is growing at fast rate and continually innovating. Thanks to an increased demand, a trending culture of foodies and population growth, the hospitality industry is expected to grow considerably. The industry demands creativity, hard work and people with a vision of where they want to go.

Exploring a pathway to permanent residency

Chef is listed on the state skilled occupation list for Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, ACT and NT. Thus it provides an avenue you could explore to gain permanent residency in Australia. The occupation of Chef is listed on the MLTSSL, Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, whilst Pastrycook is listed on the STSOL, Short Term Skilled Occupational Demand list.

The Australian Government is encouraging skilled workers to move to regional areas to fill the skill shortage gap in this region. It is advantageous to study in a regional area, for a couple of reasons

• On the points-based system, you would benefit from an additional 5 points by studying in a regional area
• Regional visas have priority processing
• If you gain work in a specified DAMA regional area, you would be exempt from the minimum salary required ($53,900) on the new 494 and 491 visas

What is DAMA? It’s a formal agreement between the government and the regional authority to boost skilled workers in specified regional areas. The benefit of working in a DAMA region is that you don’t need to comply with the minimum annual salary of $53,900 (known as the TSMIT - Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold), which makes it slightly easier to apply for the pathway to permanent residency. Under DAMA, you need to be sponsored by a regional area.

If you have questions on studying in an regional area, contact your local IDP office or submit your details here to arrange a free appointment.

Where to study?

Australia is home to many reputable schools and institutions where you can study diploma, certificate and degrees in hospitality, pastry cookery and commercial cookery.

William Angliss Institute

Establish a sound background in hospitality with the Certificate III. This qualification will equip you to work in hospitality management position in various roles from business operations to service quality. Study at William Angliss and benefit from been involved in popular events like Melbourne Food and Wine festival and the Spring Racing carnival.

Find out more about studying at William Angliss Institute

Le Cordon Bleu

If you’re interested in a career as pastry cook or chef, Le Cordon Bleu have a sound reputation teaching French cuisine, with over 35 schools in 20 countries and have been in operation for 125 years. There are three key areas of study:

Cuisine: The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery you will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge in classic French cuisine.

Patisserie: The Certificate III in Patisserie is a comprehensive course in classical French pastries. A Master of International Hospitality Management will equip you for roles in Event Management, Human Resources Manager and Business Development Manager.

Find out more about studying at Le Cordon Blue

ICHM (International College of Hotel Management)

Study the Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management) in Adelaide and understand the basics of business management and a broad range of tourism and hospitality areas. This allows career prospects to be varied once the student graduates.

The mode of study at ICHM is 6 months study and 6 months work integrated learning in Australia or potentially overseas.

Find out more about studying at ICHM

With a growing culinary scene and great employment prospects, many international students opt to take commercial cookery and culinary arts in Australia. Search the relevant cookery courses for you.

What career professions are available after you graduate?

As you undertake a course, you will gain knowledge of what you enjoy and perhaps your preferred area of specialization.

• Accommodation manager
• Catering manager
• Chef
• Conference centre manager
• Event manager
• Fast food restaurant manager
• Hotel manager
• Public house manager
• Restaurant manager