Have you been thinking about what’s next for your culinary career? Maybe you want more experience, better pay, or the chance to learn new techniques in a different part of the world. Australia could be the answer.
With strong work opportunities in Australia and high demand for skilled chefs, there’s a lot to gain by training there. In this blog, you’ll learn what the Culinary Trainee Program in Australia is all about—and how it can help you grow your skills and find exciting roles in the hospitality industry.
Why Chefs Are Choosing Australia to Grow Their Careers
Australia is one of the most exciting countries for chefs right now. The food scene is growing fast, and there’s a high demand for trained culinary professionals across the country.
Many restaurants and hotels are actively looking for international talent, which means more work opportunities in Australia for hospitality professionals, chefs and kitchen staff from abroad.
Besides the strong demand, salaries for chefs in Australia are competitive. If you’re looking to work in Australia long-term, this could be a great starting point. With the right experience and training, you could move into senior positions or even apply for permanent job roles in the future.
Another reason to consider Australia? The training you’ll get there is top quality. From luxury hotels to well-known restaurants, you’ll be learning from the best. That’s why more people are exploring culinary careers in Australia—it’s a mix of hands-on experience and career growth.
Some of the host employers of this program with Alliance Abroad include Sheraton, SOLOTEL, The Star, ACCOR, Morris Group, Hyatt Regency, Marriott Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels Group, among others.
How the Culinary Trainee Program Helps You Level Up
The Hospitality and Culinary Trainee Program in Australia is a structured 12 to 18-month program designed for people who already have some experience in the kitchen and want to take the next step. It’s a full training experience that helps you improve your skills while working in a real job.
During the program, you’ll be placed at some of Australia’s top hospitality businesses. This includes luxury resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and busy city hotels. You’ll work under expert chefs, learn new techniques, and gain confidence in many areas of the kitchen. Whether you want to focus on pastry, grill, plating, or another area, this program will help you grow.
Typical roles available include Line Chef (Commis), and Food & Beverage.
A trainee program is a great way to earn money, build your resume, and explore the possibilities of culinary careers in Australia.
Most trainees earn a minimum salary of AUD $45,000 per year, though this can vary depending on the industry award at the time and the employer. Expect to work a minimum of 38 hours per week, with some roles offering overtime. This allows you to earn a steady income while gaining hands-on experience.
Having real work experience in one of the world’s leading food scenes can also help when applying for better jobs in your home country or even opening your own business later on.
Culinary Trainee Program vs. Skilled Professional Program: Which One is Right for You?
Both programs offer great culinary careers in Australia, but they are designed for different types of chefs. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one:
Culinary Trainee Program
This program is perfect if you’re a commis chef or a young culinary professional with at least 2 years of experience. It offers structured training for 12 to 18 months, with hands-on learning in top hospitality venues. You’ll work while learning, improving your skills across different kitchen areas, and getting experience that will help you grow.
If you’ve been searching for how to find a trainee program in Australia, this is one of the best options. It gives you a clear path to training, mentorship, and real kitchen work.
Skilled Professional Program
If you’re a more experienced chef looking for direct employment, the Skilled Professional Program might be better for you. It’s made for professionals with strong experience who want to work in Australia long-term, with the possibility of employer sponsorship and permanent opportunities.
The program focuses on jobs and matches you with placements based on your experience and skills. It often leads to longer stays and better job offers, but it best suits chefs with a strong track record in the kitchen.
Both programs give you the chance to build strong culinary careers in Australia—it just depends on where you are in your journey. Whether you need more training or are ready for a full-time role, with Alliance Abroad there’s a program that fits your goals!
How to Qualify for the Culinary Trainee Program in Australia
Who Can Apply?
To join the program, you should:
- Have a hospitality or culinary background with at least 12 months of relevant experience in the past 2 years
- Have strong communication skills in English
- Be between 18 and 35 years old (although there is no official age limit, most of our participants are between 21 and 30)
- Hold a valid passport
If you studied culinary arts, your required work experience might be shorter. Each case is reviewed individually, so it’s always worth checking.
How to Apply — Step by Step
1. Fill out a simple online application on the Alliance Abroad website
2. Share your resume
3. Interview with the Alliance Abroad team, who will guide you through available roles
4. Interview with potential employers in Australia
5. Get matched, start visa paperwork, and prepare for your journey!
We’re with you at every step. From finding work opportunities in Australia to helping with the visa process and preparing for interviews, you’ll have support all the way through. You won’t be alone in this process—we help with documentation, placement, travel tips, and more.
What Comes Next?
So, what happens after your 12 to 18 months of training?
While the program is designed as a temporary training experience, some participants go on to explore longer-term work opportunities in Australia. Your host employer may offer to sponsor you under another visa type, depending on your performance and the business needs. However, you are generally expected to return to your home country once the training is complete—unless a separate visa pathway is arranged directly with the employer.
We’ve seen many success stories—chefs who started in a trainee program and now hold senior positions in luxury hotels, or who received sponsorships to continue to work in Australia. Your experience in Australia can be the key to new possibilities, both locally and internationally.
The program has greatly benefited my career growth. Through it, I had the opportunity to work at one of the most iconic hotels in Australia, which helped me develop many valuable skills. – Rajanya Dhananjay Joshi.
Salary, Living Costs & Program Fees
The minimum salary for Culinary Trainee Program participants in Australia is AUD $45,000 per annum, depending on the role and award at the time. Hourly rates generally range between AUD $22–$27, adding up to AUD $3,000–$4,000/month before tax.
Some employers may offer short-term housing, and Alliance Abroad usually books 5 nights of arrival accommodation to help you settle in your first week. You’ll also get a pre-arrival orientation call, where all your questions can be answered—from budgeting tips to finding local supermarkets.
For a detailed breakdown you can check: Cost of living in Australia (Expatistan)
There is a program fee that covers your placement, visa support, and pre-arrival guidance. But thanks to the competitive salary and steady schedule, most participants are able to cover their living costs and save money during the program.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to begin:
- Check the current openings on the Alliance Abroad website
- Sign up for upcoming interviews or recruitment fairs
- Prepare your resume
- Be ready to talk about your skills, motivation, and goals
To stand out, be honest, show your passion for cooking, and stay open to learning. We’ll help you with interview preparation and match you with the right employer.
There are real work opportunities in Australia waiting for you! Apply Now →
