Cookery Competition

Cookery is all about food, and kitchen science. Commercial Cooks use a wide skills and sound knowledge of kitchen operations to prepare food and menu items. Cookery provides a pathway to work as a commercial cook in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafés, and coffee shops.

The WorldSkills Cookery Competition is designed to test Competitors basic cookery skills whilst they prepare a menu within a time limit.

YOU SHOULD PURSUE A CAREER IN COOKERY IF YOU:

  • Are creative and enjoy working with food
  • Enjoy practical, hands-on work
  • Are able to organise efficient work schedules and work under pressure
  • Have good communication skills
  • Can work well in a team

IT ALL BEGINS AT A REGIONAL COMPETITION

The WorldSkills Australia Cookery Competitions begin at a grass roots level in one of 42 Australian regions. The Cookery Regional Competitions test the skills and knowledge of 4000+ apprentices, trainees and students, who have the opportunity to win gold, silver and bronze medals and gain the chance to go on to compete at a national level.

WorldSkills Australia competitions operate on a two-year cycle. The next Cookery Regional Competition rounds are now running across the country. 2023 and 2025 are the next National Championship years.

Register your interest to compete in Cookery


The Cookery Competition is supported by:

Training Package Requirements

The WorldSkills Australia Cookery competitions align to the National Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package.

Regional Competition

Training Package Requirements – Regional Level

The 2024 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition for Cookery aligns to the Units of Competency in the SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Qualification.

Regional Tasks

The Regional Competition is designed to test Competitors basic cookery skills whilst they prepare a two-course menu with 2 portions of each within the time limit. The Competition project is designed to test the Competitors skills in the following areas related to Cookery:

  • Demonstrate basic cookery skills including a range of methods of cookery for a two-course menu
  • Display competence in handling tools in all situations
  • Show skills in all basic kitchen preparations
  • Demonstrate ability to innovate in presentation and explore new ideas
  • Show use of garnishes to give general appeal and stimulate appetite

Regionals Competition Duration

The competition is completed in 5 hours over 1 day not including briefing or breaks.

National Competition

Training Package Requirements – National Level

The 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Competition for Cookery aligns to the Units of Competency in the SIT30816 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Qualification.

National Tasks

The National Competition is designed to test Competitors basic cookery, communication and problem-solving skills whilst they prepare a two-course menu with 3 plates over three days. The competition project is designed to test the Competitors skills in the following areas related to Cookery:

  • Produce balanced menu
  • Produce dishes in the most efficient, hygienic and economical manner
  • Understand and use the basic methods of cookery
  • Display competence in handling tools in all situations
  • Show skills in all basic kitchen preparations
  • Demonstrate ability to innovate in presentation and explore new ideas
  • Show skills in pastries and desserts
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cold larder work, modern food preparation and presentation
  • Be familiar with different fruits, vegetables and other produce used in commercial cookery.
  • Show use of garnishes to give general appeal and stimulate appetite

Nationals Competition Duration

The competition is completed in 15 hours over 3 days not including briefing or breaks.

Find out about training options

myskills website is the national directory of Vocational Education and Training (VET) organisations and courses.

Learn more about this course by following this link Certificate III in Commercial Cookery