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Fee Free Tafe

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Great news, this course is included in Fee-Free TAFE* for courses commencing in 2025.

To be eligible for a Fee-Free place you must be:

  • a resident of Tasmania or working in Tasmania
  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible VISA holder, and
  • of working age

*Fee-Free TAFE covers your tuition fee only. Other fees may apply. See Fee-Free TAFE Eligibility for more information.

Fee-Free* TAFE is a joint initiative of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, providing tuition-free training places to eligible Tasmanians wanting to train, retrain or upskill. Places are limited and not guaranteed and applying early is recommended. The number of funded Fee Free* places on offer at TasTAFE are determined by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.

Locations

  • Drysdale Launceston
  • Devonport
  • Drysdale Hobart

Attendance options

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Study type

  • Apprentices/Trainees
  • Mixed Learning
$

2025 Tuition fees

  • Subsidised $ 1,120.00
  • Concession* $ 373.30
  • Commercial $ PoA

Additional fees may apply. For more information, see Fees, payments and other costs.

Please note: The course overview is intended as a guide only. Not all courses are available at all locations or through all study types and attendance options. Please check Locations, Dates and Times below or enquire for further information.

Take the first step on your culinary career and learn the basics of food preparation and cookery from passionate and experienced chefs.

The Hospitality industry is a stimulating, fun and fast-paced work environment– and whether you choose to work in your local hospitality industry or travel abroad, qualified hospitality workers are always in high demand!

This qualification provides the core cookery training you’ll need to work in hospitality enterprises where food is prepared and served, including restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, cafeterias and coffee shops.

In this course, you’ll learn how to work effectively with others in a commercial kitchen and participate in safe and hygienic work practices for food safety, as well as learn how to use food preparation equipment and clean kitchen premises and equipment.

You’ll also get lots of hand-on experience in preparing dishes using basic methods of cookery, as well as learning how to maintain the quality of perishable items.

On successful completion of this course, you will have the skills and experience you need to gain entry level employment, or continue your cookery career by obtaining an apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery.

Locations, dates & times

CampusDateAttendance/DurationStudy typeApply/Enquire
North
Drysdale Launceston3 Feb 2025 -
27 Jun 2025
Full-time

This course is timetabled between Monday and Friday 9am to 4pm along with some evening restaurant service. Work placement is also included if all requirements are met.

Mixed LearningApply now
South
Drysdale Hobart3 Feb 2025 -
13 Jun 2025
Full-time

Attendance is required 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday with some Evening and/or Early Morning shifts required including a Work Placement

Mixed LearningApply now
North West
Devonport13 Feb 2025 -
25 Nov 2025
Part-time

2 days, Thursday and Friday 9.15am - 2.30pm

Mixed LearningApply now

Career opportunities

  • Kitchen hand
  • Catering assistant
  • Fast food assistant
  • Sandwich hand

Career opportunities

  • Kitchen hand
  • Catering assistant
  • Fast food assistant
  • Sandwich hand

We’re here to help…

At TasTAFE, we understand that everyone's journey is different and sometimes you might need some extra support to achieve your study or career goals.

Whether you are at the very start of your training, returning to study after a long break, or looking to upskill in a specific area, we're here to help you to be successful in your chosen field of study, apprenticeship or traineeship.

Our student support services are available for all students, and aim to provide the support you need to make your learning experience just that little bit easier.

Find out more about what support is available