Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Prepare and use equipment.

1.1

Select equipment  of the correct type and size for the job, and ensure that it is clean, safely assembled and ready before use.

1.2

Use equipment correctly, safely and hygienically.

2

Assemble and prepare ingredients for menu items.

2.1

Identify ingredients according to standard recipes, recipe cards or enterprise requirements.

2.2

Assemble ingredients according to the correct quantity, type and quality required.

2.3

Prepare ingredients in the required form and timeframe.

3

Prepare dairy, dry goods, fruits and vegetables.

3.1

Prepare food according to correct weight, amount and number of portions.

3.2

Clean, peel and prepare vegetables and fruit as required for menu items.

3.3

Prepare dairy products as required for menu items, ensuring they are correctly handled.

3.4

Measure, sift where appropriate, and use dry goods as required for menu items.

3.5

Prepare general food items  as required for menus.

4

Prepare meat, seafood and poultry.

4.1

Prepare and portion meat, seafood and poultry accurately, according to size, weight and required menu items.

4.2

Trim, mince or slice and prepare meat correctly.

4.3

Clean, prepare and fillet fish and seafood correctly.

4.4

Trim and prepare poultry correctly.

4.5

Store meat, seafood and poultry hygienically.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

logical and time-efficient work flow

knife handling techniques

cutting techniques for foods as required for menu items

hygienic handling of food and equipment according to local, state or territory and national regulatory requirements

safe work practices according to OHS principles and procedures, particularly with regard to using knives

waste minimisation techniques and environmental considerations in relation to food preparation

problem-solving skills to deal with minor problems, such as shortages of ingredients

literacy skills to read recipes, menus, instructions and orders

numeracy skills to calculate portions, and weigh and measure quantities of ingredients.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

uses and characteristics of basic food products and types of menus as required.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency 

Evidence of the following is essential:

application of hygiene and safety principles and procedures

ability to organise and prepare a wide variety of general food items within realistic workplace time constraints.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills within normal operating conditions of a fully equipped commercial kitchen including industry-current equipment

industry-realistic ratios of kitchen staff to customers.

Methods of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate preparing food

inspection of food items prepared by the candidate

written or oral questions to assess knowledge of preparation techniques for various food types

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SITHCCC002A Present food

SITHCCC007A Prepare sandwiches.

Assessing employability skills 

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Equipment  may be mechanical or power driven and must include:

knives, cleavers and utensils

food processors, blenders and mixers

slicers

grills or salamanders

fryers

large fixed equipment, such as bains marie and fridges.

Food items  to be prepared:

must include the use of:

dairy products, including milk, yoghurt, cheeses and alternatives, e.g. soy products

dry goods, such as flours, sugars, pastas and rice

standard fruit and vegetables

general food items such as sauces, condiments and flavourings, garnishes, coatings and batters

meat, seafood and poultry that may be fresh, frozen, preserved or pre-prepared

may include the use of:

meat products such as standard cuts, sausages, hams and salami.