Course Code: SIT30921

Certificate III in Catering

This course trains students for catering careers, covering food prep, cook-chill, cook-freeze, safe rethermalisation, packaging, dietary meals, customer service, hazard management, and sustainability.

About this Course

The SIT30921 Certificate III in Catering prepares students for a hands-on career in the catering industry by delivering practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for success in diverse food service environments. This program emphasises advanced food preparation techniques, including cook-chill and cook-freeze methods, and the safe rethermalisation of chilled and frozen foods.

Students will develop expertise in food packaging, dietary meal preparation, and customer service, while also learning to identify and manage workplace hazards. The course integrates environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet modern expectations for sustainability in catering operations.

With a focus on real-world applications, students will also gain skills in recipe planning, cost control, and providing exceptional customer service, making them invaluable assets in catering teams or as independent operators.

Entry Requirements

While there are no formal entry requirements for the qualification, students are encouraged to meet the following recommendations to ensure successful participation in this advanced-level qualification:

Age: Applicants should be at least 18 years old at the time of commencement.
Academic Background: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
Communication Skills: Applicants are expected to have the necessary language and communication skills to engage with course materials, participate in learning activities, and complete assessments effectively. Support services are available to assist students if needed.

Licencing and Regulatory Information

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 qualification at the time of publication.

In line with the 2025 RTO Standards, students’ Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills will be assessed prior to enrollment to ensure readiness to successfully participate in the course.

Training is delivered in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

Overall Impacts & Key Benefits

Master Chilled and Frozen Food Preparation: Gain specialised skills in producing cook-chill and cook-freeze foods, as well as rethermalizing them, ensuring quality and efficiency in catering operations.
Dietary and Custom Meal Preparation: Learn to prepare food to meet special dietary requirements, catering to a diverse range of client needs and preferences in catering environments.
Food Packaging and Transport Expertise: Build proficiency in packaging prepared foodstuffs and safely transporting and storing food, adhering to industry standards and safety regulations.

Sustainability in Catering: Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices, ensuring catering operations align with modern sustainability expectations and reduce environmental impact.
Customer Service Excellence: Develop strong customer service skills to provide exceptional experiences, manage client expectations, and ensure satisfaction in catering services.
Recipe Planning and Costing: Acquire the ability to plan and cost recipes effectively, optimising budgets and ensuring profitability for catering operations.

What you will Study

To achieve the SIT30921 Certificate III in Catering, students must complete a total of 20 units, consisting of:

10 Core Units
10 Elective Units

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Note: Units marked with an *asterisk have one or more prerequisites. Refer to individual units for details.

Our experienced team collaborates with clients and industry partners to carefully select elective units that align with workforce development needs and organisational goals. This ensures that all qualifications are tailored to industry demands, equipping graduates with the skills to excel in their chosen fields and meet sector-specific requirements.

Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

At AAHPL, we recognise the value of the skills and expertise gained through experience, training, or prior education. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process allows existing competencies to be formally acknowledged, creating a streamlined pathway to achieving qualifications faster.

To learn more about AAHPL’s RPL and Credit Transfer process, refer to the Skills Recognition page on our website.

Units of Study

SITHCCC023* Use food preparation equipment

SITHCCC024* Prepare and present simple dishes

SITHCCC027* Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery

SITHCCC034* Work effectively in a commercial kitchen

SITHKOP009* Clean kitchen premises and equipment

SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety

SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices

SITXHRM007 Coach others in job skills

SITXINV006* Receive, store, and maintain stock

SITXWHS005 Participate in safe work practices

SITHCCC025* Prepare and present sandwiches

SITHCCC026* Package prepared foodstuffs

SITHCCC032* Produce cook-chill and cook-freeze foods

SITHCCC033* Re-thermalise chilled and frozen foods

SITXFSA007* Transport and store food

SITHCCC042* Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements

SITHKOP010 Plan and cost recipes

BSBSUS211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

SITXCCS014 Provide service to customers

SITXWHS006 Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks

Our Online Campus Platform

Welcome to eVersity Online Campus

Innovation Meets Education

eVersity Online Campus is more than a learning platform—it’s the heart of AAHPL’s commitment to delivering innovative, flexible, and industry-aligned education. Designed with institutions, industry partners, and participants in mind, eVersity combines advanced technology with human-centered support.

Tailored Learning Solutions: Access a dynamic platform that supports diverse qualifications, from hospitality to business, with features customised to meet workforce and industry needs.
AI-Driven Personalisation: Benefit from cutting-edge AI tools that provide tailored learning pathways, real-time progress tracking, and adaptive support, ensuring an engaging and efficient educational journey.
Seamless Integration: Centralise all training and assessment materials, resources, and communication in one easy-to-navigate portal.
Flexibility for Modern Learners: Study anytime, anywhere with mobile-friendly access and intuitive tools like text-to-speech and automated reminders to keep you on track.
Collaboration-Ready: Built to support partnerships with institutions and employers, eVersity is designed to align with organisational needs while empowering participants to succeed.

Whether enhancing skills or exploring new opportunities, eVersity ensures a streamlined, future-focused experience supported by Industry Insight Avatars—interactive guides offering real-world expertise to enrich the learning journey.

Student Well-Being & Pastoral Care

At AAHPL, we believe that student well-being is fundamental to both academic success and personal growth. By combining tailored support services with proactive pastoral care, we ensure every participant has access to the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

Comprehensive Support Services: We offer academic assistance, mental health resources, and referrals to external agencies to address a variety of student needs.
Inclusive Learning Environment: A culturally safe and inclusive space is fostered, celebrating diversity and ensuring equitable access for all students.
Proactive Progress Monitoring: Through our eVersity system, we actively track student progress and identify areas where additional support is required.
Motivational Outreach: Students receive personalised reminders and encouraging messages to inspire and keep them focused on their journey.
Empathetic Team: Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment of compassion and understanding, supporting students through challenges and celebrating their successes.

Together, these initiatives reflect AAHPL’s unwavering commitment to leaving no student behind, nurturing confidence, resilience, and readiness for the future.

Pathways: Continue your studies

Upon completing the SIT30921 Certificate III in Catering, graduates can progress to:

SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management: Advance your culinary expertise and leadership skills, preparing for supervisory roles in commercial kitchens.
SIT40422 Certificate IV in Hospitality: Broaden your skills in hospitality operations and food service management.
SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management: Build on your catering knowledge to take on leadership and managerial roles in hospitality and catering sectors.
SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management: Specialize in high-level operational strategies and management across diverse hospitality settings.

These pathways provide opportunities to deepen your skills, progress into advanced roles, and enhance your career prospects in catering, hospitality, and kitchen management.

Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of AAHPL courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals.

AAHPL degree pathway
From certificates to Diplomas, to Advanced Diplomas, continue your studies with us to help build your success.

AAHPL – university partnership pathways
AAHPL has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose.

Other university pathways
You may gain entry to an international university using your AAHPL qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.

Keep learning with AAHPL

Employment Outcomes

Occupational Pathways

Catering Assistant
Food Service Worker
Institutional Cook
Kitchen Hand
Event Catering Assistant
Food Safety Coordinator (Entry-Level)
Catering Supervisor (Entry-Level)

Catering Excellence: Master the Art of Food Service

Launch your career in catering with hands-on training in food prep, packaging, dietary meals, and sustainability. This course equips you with essential skills in cook-chill, cook-freeze, hazard management, and customer service—preparing you for success in modern food service environments. Ready to serve up success? Enroll today!