Chef Jobs in Australia – Sector Overview
Even a brief visit to Australia is enough to teach you that Aussies love eating, and love eating out. From the humble backyard BBQ to fine cuisine and a multitude of ethnic offerings, going hungry is not an option. As a result, workers are always needed to cook, from the humble kitchen-hand to skilled head chefs. Job prospects for chefs are good in Australia, with over 75,000 people employed across many industries including food services, accommodation, health care and social assistance, manufacturing and retail trade. The sector is expected to expand, meaning strong employment growth, with the Restaurant and Catering Association of South Australia finding in a survey of its members late in 2012 that seven percent of the industry was seeking a senior cook or chef, and five percent a restaurant manager. The Australian Bureau of Statistics expects that the demand for chefs will grow by 14 percent during the next five years. Long and unsociable hours mean there is high turnover in the industry, and eateries are more than prepared to sponsor the right candidate, with visas for those from English-speaking countries easier to come by.
Chef Jobs in Australia – Location
Take your pick. Where ever there are people, cooking jobs are required. There are more opportunities in the big cities, and if you are prepared to live in more isolated areas, cooking at mine sites can be an option.
Chef Jobs in Australia – Skills and Qualifications
There are a multitude of ways to train to become a chef, both in formal institutes and on-the-job. Experience obviously helps, and migrants would be advised to be prepared to show-off their skills as they hunt for their best position. The Trades Recognition Authority will assess the skills and qualifications of chefs and cooks seeking to migrate to Australia. To be classified as a chef for migration purposes, applicants need to prove their case as a cook, and then have three years experience performing the duties of a chef. Four years in a formal trade apprenticeship or equivalent traineeship, and six years training and employment will generally satisfy the TRA that the applicant has sufficient training and on-the-job experience.
Chef Jobs In Australia – Key Employer and Recruiters
Word of mouth and newspaper listing can be a good start for those searching for cooking work, although perhaps not for those looking to migrate and are after solid prospects.
Recruiters include:
- Frontline Hospitality
- Cheffing Around
- Chef Jobs
Chef Jobs in Australia – Pay
Starting at the bottom can often mean long hours and poor pay, but that is not unique to chefs in Australia. A well-qualified and experienced chef can earn up to $75,000 annually.
