Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Question: Can I study in Australia while on a Working Holiday visa?
Answer: Yes. Working Holiday visa holders can study for up to 4 months while in Australia. This is ideal for completing short, nationally recognised courses like the Certificate II in Hospitality. Please check your visa for any specific conditions that may apply to your individual circumstances.

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Question: Can I use my current café, bar or restaurant job for the course?
Answer: Yes. If your current job involves real hospitality tasks in a fully operational hospitality venue, it can usually be used as your training site. Your manager must agree to support your learning and sign off on practical tasks.

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Question: Do I need to attend a campus or in-person classes?
Answer: No. If you are not on a Student Visa, Access Recognised Training Australia delivers this course through a work-based training model. You can complete it from anywhere in Australia without needing to attend a classroom.

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Question: What happens if I travel or move during the course?
Answer: That’s no problem. As long as you continue working in a suitable hospitality job and have internet access, you can keep studying from wherever you are.

 

Question: How do I know if my employer is DAMA registered?
Answer: You’ll need to speak directly with your employer to confirm this. Only businesses that have applied for and been approved under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) can sponsor workers under that program. For personalised advice about DAMA eligibility or sponsorship, speak with a registered migration agent.

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Question: How long does the Certificate II in Hospitality take to complete?
Answer: Most students finish in 3 to 4 months, which fits within your visa's study limit. You’ll work through 12 units at a pace that suits your schedule.

 

Question: Can I study if I only work part time?
Answer: Yes. You can study while working part time as long as your job allows you to demonstrate the required practical tasks and your supervisor agrees to support your training.

 

Question: How much does the course cost for Working Holiday visa holders?
Answer: WHV holders enrol as fee-for-service students. Please check the tuition fees page on Access Recognised Training Australia's website. Payment plans are available. 

 

Question: Can I get a government subsidy or VET Student Loan?
Answer: No. Working Holiday visa holders are not eligible for subsidies or VET Student Loans. All fees are payable directly by the student. 

 

Question: Will this course help me get sponsored or stay in Australia longer?
Answer: This course does not provide visa eligibility. However, it may strengthen your employment profile or support discussions with your employer. Some students working in regional or remote areas complete this course while exploring longer-term options through a registered migration agent.

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Question: What kind of support will I receive during the course?
Answer: You’ll have a dedicated assessor who checks your progress, provides guidance and supports you through your training. You'll also have access to our admin team and online learning resources.

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Apprenticeships (Apprentices) 

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Question: What is an Australian Apprenticeship in Cookery?
Answer: An Australian Apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’ll work in a commercial kitchen as a full-time or part-time employee while completing your nationally recognised Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821). You will sign a formal training contract with the Government, which outlines your employment and training arrangements, and work under the guidance of a qualified workplace supervisor while receiving structured training from Access Recognised Training Australia.

 

Question: How long does a cookery apprenticeship take to complete?
Answer: Typically between 2–3 years if you have no prior credit transfers. The exact duration depends on your progress and any recognition of previous learning.

 

Question: What will I learn in my apprenticeship?
Answer: You’ll gain skills in preparing and presenting dishes, working safely and hygienically, managing kitchen operations, using commercial kitchen equipment, working in a team, and providing great customer service.

 

Question: How much time do I need to commit each week?
Answer:

• Full-time: At least 38 hours per week (including 3–8 hours structured training).
   

• Part-time: At least 15 hours per week (including 1.5–3 hours structured training), averaged over 4 weeks.
   

Question: What qualification will I get when I finish?
Answer: You’ll be awarded the SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, recognised across Australia, and become a fully qualified cookery tradesperson.

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Question: How many units do I need to complete?
Answer: 25 units in total — 20 core units and 5 electives.

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Question: Can I choose my own electives in the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery?
Answer: Electives are selected in consultation with your trainer and employer to ensure they match industry needs, your career goals, and the training package requirements. Access Recognised Training Australia provides a limited list of elective units to choose from. The workplace must also be able to support the practical training and assessment of any chosen elective unit. While there is some flexibility, all choices must meet the rules of the qualification and be deliverable by Access.

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Question: How do I get started as a cookery apprentice?
Answer:

1. Secure full or part-time employment in a commercial kitchen.
    

2. Meet with Access Recognised Training Australia to discuss the course and training plan.
    

3. Sign your training contract with an Apprenticeship Network Provider.
    

4. Once approved, enrol and commence training.​

 

Question: How can I find an employer willing to take me on as an apprentice? 

Answer: There are several ways to start your search:

• Check job search websites, which often advertise apprenticeship opportunities;

• Use your personal network of family and friends to find leads, let them know you are looking;

• Send your resume and cover letter to Access Recognised Training Australia so we can share them with hospitality employers who regularly take on apprentices. Make sure your resume is up to date and your cover letter is professional. You can even use AI tools to help you draft and refine these documents;

• If you are currently working in a field you would like to pursue, speak to your current employer about starting an ASBA pathway;

• Explore the information on Access Recognised Training Australia’s website for guidance, resources, and opportunities; and 

• Approach employers directly to show initiative and help you stand out from other applicants.

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Question: How much does an Apprentice Chef get paid? 

Answer:  Apprentice Chef Wage Guide (Annual Overview by Age Group)

Note: These ranges are approximate and based on full-time hours under common industry awards. Actual pay may vary depending on factors such as year level, workplace agreements, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances.

1. Under-18 Apprentices

• Classified as junior employees under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119).

• Annual wages are at the lower end of the scale for the trade, reflecting the junior rate and early training stage.

• Typical annual range: Approximately $25,000 – $35,000.

2. Apprentices Aged 18–20

• Still classed as juniors but earn closer to adult rates, with pay increasing each year as training progresses.

• Annual wages sit between junior and adult apprentice levels, reflecting increased skill and responsibility.

• Typical annual range: Approximately $30,000 – $45,000.

3. Adult Apprentices (21+)

• Paid at adult apprentice rates from the start, in line with Award provisions.

• Wages progress each year, with final-year adult apprentices often approaching the rates of fully qualified tradespeople.

• Typical annual range: Approximately $40,000 – $55,000.

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Question: How much does a Qualified Chef earn in the ACT?

Answer: For fully qualified, non-supervisory roles (e.g., Chef de Partie), a sensible guide is about $70,000–$80,000 per year, depending on venue and experience. 

Note: These ranges are approximate and based on full-time hours. Actual pay may vary depending on factors such as year level, workplace agreements, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances.

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Question: How much does a Sous Chef earn in the ACT?

Answer: Sous Chef roles typically sit above Chef de Partie, with a practical guide of about $75,000–$90,000 per year. 

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Question: How much does a Head Chef earn in the ACT?

Answer: Head Chefs commonly earn about $90,000–$100,000, with top venues higher.

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Question: How much does an Executive Chef earn in the ACT?

Answer: Executive Chef pay generally starts around $100,000 and often falls in the $110,000–$130,000+

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Question: Why choose Access Recognised Training Australia?
Answer: We’re Canberra’s leading cookery apprenticeship provider, winners of the ACT Training Collaboration Award 2024, and have strong industry partnerships and highly experienced trainers.

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Question: What’s the difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship?
Answer: Apprenticeships are trade-based and lead to students becoming a qualified tradesperson. They are common in skilled trades such as commercial cookery, plumbing, and carpentry, and usually take 3–4 years to complete.

Traineeships are non-trade based and cover a wider range of industry sectors such as hospitality, business, and retail. They are often shorter (1–2 years) and can offer more flexible training options.

Both involve a training contract with your employer and the government, and you earn while you learn.

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Question: What is an ASBA?

Answer: An ASBA is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

It allows a secondary school student (usually in Years 10, 11 or 12) to start an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. Students work part-time with an employer, train with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Access Recognised Training, and continue their normal school studies.

In the ACT, ASBAs:

• Combine paid work, formal training, and school.

• Lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

• Contribute towards the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12 Certificate).

• Can count towards an apprenticeship after school, reducing the time needed to complete it.

Access Recognised Training offers ASBA pathways in:

• SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality

• SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

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Question: What are the ASbA work and study commitments?
Answer: In the ACT, Australian School-based Apprentices (ASbAs) must balance school, work, and structured training.

• Certificate III level: Minimum of 15 hours per week (can be up to 20 hours).

• This total includes paid work hours and study time for online theory activities.

• Certificate III ASbAs generally receive about 3 hours per week of structured training, which includes theory work and on-the-job training from workplace supervisors.

• Typically, 1–2 hours per week of online theory is enough to stay on track.

• Students must negotiate time release from school to meet both work and training requirements.

• All work and training must fit with school attendance and be agreed upon by the school, employer, and RTO.

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Question: What happens if I can't meet my 15 hours work requirement in a week?
Answer: That’s ok — your hours are averaged over the term. If you fall short one week, you can make up the time during other weeks. Many ASbAs work extra hours during school holidays or term breaks to catch up.

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Apprenticeships (Employers) 

 

Question: What is work-based training for a cookery apprenticeship?
Answer: Work-based training means all training is completed in the workplace without the need to attend external classes. The workplace becomes the classroom, and a designated workplace supervisor provides on-the-job instruction. Apprentices also complete theory and practical assessments online with support from an Access Recognised Training assessor.

 

Question: Why should I take on a cookery apprentice in Canberra?
Answer: Apprentices can be trained to your business’s specific standards, contribute to productivity as their skills grow, help build a sustainable workforce, and make you eligible for government incentives like the Priority Hiring Incentive of up to $5,000 in the first year.

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Question: Should apprentices be paid for time in training?
Answer:  Yes. Apprentices must be paid for all hours spent in training that form part of their training plan — whether that training is in the workplace, online, or at an off-site location such as a training kitchen or classroom. This applies to both on-the-job and off-the-job training and is a requirement under the relevant industrial award or registered agreement.

 

Question: What are my responsibilities as an employer of a cookery apprentice?
Answer: You must provide full-time or part-time work, pay the correct wages and entitlements, allow at least 3 hours per week for training, cover tuition fees, provide supervision, comply with workplace laws, induct the apprentice, and sign off on supervisor reports.

 

Question: Where do I start once I’ve found a cookery apprentice?
Answer:

1. Employ them under the title “Culinary Apprentice.”
    

2. Complete the Qualification Application Form at accessrt.edu.au.
    

3. Speak with Access Recognised Training to confirm details.
    

4. Contact an Apprenticeship Connect provider (MAS or MEGT) to sign the Training Contract, nominating Access Recognised Training and SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
    

5. Training can commence once the contract and enrolment are received and approved.
    

Question: Where can I find potential cookery apprentices in Canberra?
Answer: Attend local career expos, post on job boards (Seek, MAS, MEGT), boost social media posts, offer attractive packages, and connect with school career advisors or run cooking demonstrations to engage students.

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Question: Who are the Apprenticeship Connect centres in the ACT? 

Answer:  There are two providers contracted for the ACT region:

• MAS National

• MEGT

The support services include assessment, mentoring and personal support, and engagement and Apprenticeship technical support services delivered by Providers to Australian Apprentices, their employers, and to prospective Australian Apprentices and employers.

These are free services to employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested parties.

 

Question: How many hours per week must I allow for apprentice training?
Answer: A minimum of 3 hours per week during paid work hours must be set aside for training activities.

 

Question: Do I have to pay the apprentice’s course fees?
Answer: Yes, as the employer you are responsible for covering the tuition fees for the apprenticeship.

 

Question: What qualification will my apprentice complete?
Answer: SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery delivered by Access Recognised Training.

 

Question: Can an apprentice work part-time?
Answer: Yes, cookery apprenticeships in Canberra can be undertaken full-time or part-time, but part-time incentives are lower than full-time.​

 

Question: I can't find the Resource Library 

Answer: The resource library is located within your online course. For example if you need to access the resource library for your online RCG course you will find it in Learner Content Part 1 from the main menu. The resource library link can be found the top right hand side of the learner content window.  

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Question: I didn't receive my email with my login details to commence the course? 

Answer: Please check your spam/junk folder. If it is not there please email admin@accessrt.edu.au and we will manually send you through your login details. 

 

Question: My password doesn’t work.

Answer: Use the login URL from your welcome email. Copy–paste the password from that email and avoid any extra spaces. If it still fails, reset it via Forgot password or email us admin@accessrt.edu.au and we will manually change and resend your password. 

 

Question: I can’t upload any documents to complete my assessment. 

Answer: Try uploading your documents using a desktop computer. If you do not have access to a desktop computer please e-mail your documents to admin@accessrt.edu.au and we will upload them for you.      

 

Question: Can I complete the course on my mobile phone?

Answer: You can, but it’s not recommended. The course is optimised for a desktop or laptop, and you’ll have a much better experience on a larger screen (a tablet with a keyboard also works well).     

 

Question: Why isn’t there a tick next to “Learning Content” in the course menu?

Answer: The Learning Content is a non-assessable section. Ticks only appear for assessable items (e.g. quizzes/assessments), so you won’t see a tick there even after viewing all materials.

 

Question: I have entered an incorrect email address when enrolling. How can I fix this? 

Answer: Please send us an email admin@accessrt.edu.au and we will manually update your correct email address.     

 

Question: How do I access my online Didasko account?
Answer:

• Go to the login page.
   

• Find your username and password in the “Welcome Aboard!” email from us in your inbox (check junk/spam if needed).
   

• If you can’t log in, click Lost password on the login screen.
   

• Still stuck? Email your assessor or admin@accessrt.edu.au and we’ll resend your username and a password. 

 

  Question: I completed my RSA through Access in the past; however, I don’t have a copy of the certificate

 

Question: I’m unable to locate my certificate on the portal.

Answer: Certificates are emailed to participants and aren’t stored in the learning portal. Please check your inbox and junk mail. If you still can’t find it, email admin@accessrt.edu.au and we’ll resend it.

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Question: How can I change/edit my incorrect answers?
Answer: You can retry any of your answers that were marked incorrect. Here’s how:

1. Submit the assessment for marking.
    

2. Click the Re-try button when it appears.
    

3. Click on Assessment in the Menu to see which questions were correct/incorrect.
    

4. Click each incorrect question, update your answer, and resubmit.
    

5. Repeat the process until you reach 100% (there’s no limit on retries).

 

If you don’t see the Re-try button, make sure you’ve submitted for marking first. Still stuck? Email admin@accessrt.edu.au and we’ll help.

 

Question: I don't have access to a printer, how can I print the statutory declaration? 

Answer: 

• Officeworks - upload online and pick up, or walk in with a USB/phone and use the self-serve printers;

• Most public libraries offer low-cost printing from public PCs or “mobile printing” 

• Contact Access and arrange a time to come to the office and print out the declaration.

 

Question: Although I’ve uploaded my ID and statutory declaration, the system still shows “No upload”.

Answer: Please ensure you click Upload after using the Browse button to select your file.

 

Question: I submitted my assessment without uploading my ID. What should I do next?

Answer: The assessor will mark your assessment not satisfactory which will reopen the portal and allow you to upload your ID. Assessments submissions are marked within 48 hours.    

 

Question: I don’t know anyone that can sign my statutory declaration, can you help?

Answer: The most common solution is to visit your local chemist or police station and ask a pharmacist or police officer to witness you sign the form and then have them sign as the authorised person to whom the declaration is made. If you’re still having difficulty completing your Statutory Declaration, please contact us at admin@accessrt.edu.au

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Question: What do I write in the declaration section of the Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec)?

Answer: If you accessed the Statutory Declaration via the link provided in the assessment, it has already been pre-filled with the required declaration, and you do not need to add anything further in this section (Section 2).

If you are using a Statutory Declaration sourced from elsewhere, please include the following declaration:

"I declare that all assessment work completed in Access Recognised Training’s online [Enter course name, e.g. RSA/RCG/GCO] course is my own work."

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Question: Does it have to be a Justice of the Peace (JP) that signs off on my Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec)? 

Answer: No, it doesn't have to be a JP. You can get anyone on the second page of the Statutory Declaration  e.g Pharmacist, Police Officer, Lawyer, Accountant, Teacher or Public Servant.  

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Question: Do you provide distance learning or correspondence options?

Answer: Yes. For domestic students, we offer Australia -wide flexible distance learning through our workplace-based delivery model. This includes online resources, regular support from your assessor, and training completed in your workplace with the support of your employer. International students, however, must attend campus to complete their training in line with visa requirements.

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Question: Is Access part of TAFE or CIT?

Answer: No. We are an independent training organisation. However, we hold multiple contracts and agreements with the ACT Government to deliver both government-funded accredited training and non-accredited programs. Like TAFE and CIT, we deliver nationally recognised training, which means the certificate you receive will contain the same nationally recognised qualification or units of competency. Units achieved at Access can be used towards a qualification at TAFE or vice versa. 

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Question: How is Access different from TAFE or CIT?   

Answer: Access Recognised Training Australia is independently owned and operated by Canberrans, which means we have strong local knowledge and close industry connections. We deliver training in a way that suits you, whether that is online, in person, or in the workplace, through both fee-for-service and apprenticeship pathways.

Unlike larger providers such as TAFE or CIT, we do not have layers of bureaucracy slowing things down. This allows us to respond to your needs quickly and efficiently. Whether it is reprinting or emailing an e-certificate within a short timeframe, making amendments to a training plan, or helping you navigate the apprenticeship system, we make the process easier for both students and employers.

Our focus is on building long-term relationships with local industry, offering flexible training options, and providing personalised service that ensures your learning journey is smooth and well supported from start to finish.

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Question: What is a USI?

Answer: A USI (Unique Student Identifier) is a reference number that creates an online record of your nationally recognised training in Australia. It allows you to access all your training results and certificates from different training providers in one secure location. All students undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia are required to have a USI. You can create one free of charge at www.usi.gov.au.

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Question: What is a VET Transcript?

Answer: A VET Transcript is an official record of your nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) achievements in Australia. It lists all the units of competency and qualifications you have completed since 2015, as recorded in the national training database.

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Question: How do I access my VET Transcript? 

Answer: Your VET Transcript is accessible through your USI (Unique Student Identifier) account and can be shared with employers, training providers, or licensing bodies as proof of your training history.

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Question: What payment methods does Access accept for online courses?
Answer: During the electronic enrolment process, you will be redirected to PayPal to make your payment. You can pay using your PayPal account, or as a guest using a credit or debit card . You do not need a PayPal account to make the payment.

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Question: I don’t have a PayPal account, do you have other payment options?
Answer: PayPal is the only payment method we offer for our online courses, but you do not need a PayPal account to make a payment. At checkout, select “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” and complete your purchase as a guest. This allows you to pay securely with your card without signing up for PayPal. If you prefer not to use PayPal, you can call our office during business hours (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) and make your payment securely over the phone using your credit card.

 

Question: Can I set up an account so my employees can enrol without paying themselves, and receive an invoice instead?
Answer: Yes. We work with many employers who have accounts with us, allowing them to pay for staff enrolments via invoice. To set up an account, please use the Contact page to send us your business details.
Please note: We reserve the right to withhold certification if invoices are unpaid or payment is significantly delayed.

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Question: What support is available if I have trouble with the online course content?
Answer: If you need assistance with the course content, please contact us at admin@accessrt.edu.au or call our head office on (02) 5100 4985 between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you have further questions, please contact our admissions team at admin@accessrt.edu.au or +61 2 5100 4985. We’re here to help you every step of the way.​​​​​​​​

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Question: Where do I park if I coming to Access Recognised Training Australia

Answer:

Belconnen Campus (59 Cameron Ave, Belconnen)

• 5-min free bays out front

• On-street metered parking (Cameron Ave & Chandler St)

• Wilson Parking undercover at Canberra Labor Club (Map)

• Wilson Parking open-air at 9 Chandler St (Map)

Gungahlin Campus (110 Gundaroo Dr, Nicholls)

• Ample free parking around the building (Map)

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Question: Is there free parking near Access Recognised Training Australia?

Answer: Yes.

• Belconnen Campus (59 Cameron Avenue): There is limited free parking around the campus. You will find 5-minute free parking bays at the front of the building on Cameron Avenue and a small number of free two-hour parking spots on Chandler Street.

• Gungahlin Campus (110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls): Ample free parking is available surrounding the building.

 

Question: What qualifications do you offer students?
Answer: Access Recognised Training Australia specialises in hospitality and culinary training. We offer nationally recognised qualifications, including:

• SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality – entry-level skills for working in cafés, restaurants, bars, and hotels.

• SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality – for careers in café, restaurant, bar, and hotel service.

• SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery – for aspiring chefs and kitchen professionals.

• SIT40422 Certificate IV in Hospitality – for those seeking supervisory roles in hospitality service operations.

• SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management – for advancing into supervisory or head chef positions.

• SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management – for management-level roles in hospitality venues.

• SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management – for senior management positions and strategic leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

Qualifications can be delivered through our work-based training model, where students learn in real workplaces while completing their studies. Some qualifications are also offered via our classroom-based and training kitchen environment at our Canberra training centre. All qualifications are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), meaning they are recognised across Australia and may provide credit towards further study.

If you’d like, I can also create a shorter, chatbot-friendly FAQ version that’s ideal for your WIX AI site while linking to the full qualifications page. That way, users get a quick answer but can click for full details. Would you like me to prepare that?​

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Question: What hospitality short courses do you offer?
Answer: We offer short courses like RSA, RSA Refresher, RCG, Gambling Contact Officer training (and annual refresher), Food Safety Supervisor, Basic Hygiene, Infection Control, Provide First Aid, and Provide CPR. We can also create custom accredited or non-accredited training for hospitality venues – for example customer service, WHS, bullying and harassment, and cultural competence.

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Question: Are your courses just for people working in Canberra?
Answer: No. Our qualifications are recognised across Australia and internationally. While some short courses—like RSA, and RCG are based on ACT legislation, they’re still built on nationally recognised units of competency. This means they may be recognised in other states or territories, depending on local requirements.

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Question: Where is your head office?
Answer: Our head office is located at Level 10, 59 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen ACT, Australia. You can find us on Google Maps.

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Question: What courses can International Students enrol into?
Answer: International students can study our CRICOS-approved commercial cookery and hospitality qualifications, including:

• SIT30821  Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

• SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management

• SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

• Dual SIT40521 + SIT50422 package

They can also do short courses like RSA, RCG, and Food Safety Supervisor.

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Question: Can both domestic and international students train with Access?
Answer: Yes. We train both domestic and international students. Domestic students can enrol in all our qualifications and short courses. International students can study our CRICOS-approved cookery and hospitality qualifications, plus selected short courses like RSA, RCG, and Food Safety Supervisor. 

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Question: Do you do White Card training?
Answer: No. We don’t deliver White Card training. Please use an external search engine to find White Card providers in the ACT.

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Question: Tell me about Access Recognised Training Australia Trainer - Andre Matuszyk.
Answer: Andre Matuszyk is a highly skilled culinary professional whose career has taken him from Chef and Patissier to Chocolatier, and now to an outstanding Culinary Educator. Andre’s passion for gastronomy is infectious. He blends decades of hands-on experience with a constant drive to learn, innovate, and share knowledge. Whether you ask him a tricky culinary question or set him a technical challenge, Andre delivers with precision, creativity, and flair.

Respected by both students and employers, Andre is known for his engaging, practical teaching style and his ability to adapt to different learning needs. Many of his students have achieved outstanding results thanks to his guidance and mentorship.With a Degree in Adult Education from Charles Sturt University, Andre is a qualified VET practitioner and is actively involved in training design, assessment development, and validation. Beyond the classroom, he hosts and produces the Access Podcast — featuring in-depth conversations with students and industry professionals about their careers and experiences in hospitality. In short, Andre is a multi-talented culinary educator, innovator, and mentor who inspires the next generation of hospitality professionals.

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Question: Tell me about  Access Recognised Training Australia Trainer - Pawan Padeliya.  

Answer: Pawan Padeliya is a highly accomplished hospitality professional with over 20 years of global experience, having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, Claridges Hotels, and TFE Hotels.

Over his career, Pawan has held senior management roles across five-star hotels, luxury clubs, and healthcare hospitality, overseeing operations, pre-openings, and service launches. His expertise spans food and beverage management, banqueting, events, quality control, staff training, and client relationship management.

Since 2019, Pawan has been a dedicated Hospitality Educator at Access Recognised Training, where he brings real-world industry insight into the classroom. His teaching approach bridges theory with hands-on learning, preparing students to excel in dynamic and demanding hospitality environments. Known for his ability to connect with learners, Pawan creates immersive, practical scenarios that build both technical skills and professional confidence.

Pawan is a qualified trainer and assessor (TAE40116) and holds multiple professional credentials, including WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3, OCLD Train the Trainer, and numerous leadership and management qualifications. His commitment to excellence has been recognised with industry accolades, such as being named Food & Beverage Trainer of the Year.

With a passion for nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders, Pawan blends his deep operational knowledge with a genuine dedication to student success, making him a respected figure among both learners and industry peers.

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Question: Tell me about Access Recognised Training Managing Director - Mark Field
Answer:  Mark Field is the founder and Managing Director of Access Recognised Training, bringing over 30 years of experience in adult education, hospitality business management, and vocational training. He has a Bachelor of Tourism, a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, an Advanced Diploma of Business Management in Hospitality and a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. Mark’s leadership has grown Access into a trusted Registered Training Organisation and CRICOS provider, delivering high-quality, nationally recognised qualifications and short courses. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, industry partnerships, and innovative training delivery.

He has also served on multiple boards, including the Canberra Business Chamber, the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies, and as Honorary President of the Association of Providers of Training Services (APTS).

Passionate about fostering strong industry connections, Mark is committed to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the hospitality and cookery sectors.

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Question:  Tell me about Access Recognised Training Australia's Head of Studies - Peter Hayes 

Answer: Peter Hayes brings over three decades of diverse hospitality and culinary experience to his role as Head of Studies at Access Recognised Training. Since 2010, Peter has led the organisation’s academic direction, ensuring training delivery meets the highest industry and compliance standards.

Peter’s career spans senior positions in acclaimed restaurants, function venues, and hotels in Australia, Europe, and the UK. His experience includes serving as Head Chef and Operations Manager for renowned venues such as Ginger Catering at Old Parliament House and Red Belly Black Café, as well as international roles in fine dining establishments and luxury resorts.

Peter is an active member of the Australian Culinary Federation, the Association of Providers of Training Services, and a judge for the Australian Hotels Association ACT Chef of the Year competition. He also engages with key vocational education networks to keep training relevant and industry-focused.

Holding multiple qualifications in commercial cookery, hospitality, training and assessment, leadership, and management, Peter is dedicated to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals. His depth of industry knowledge, combined with his commitment to quality training, makes him an invaluable mentor for both students and colleagues.

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Question: Does Access have good trainers? 

Answer: ​Yes. Access Recognised Training employs highly experienced trainers who are both qualified educators and active industry professionals. Our key educators including Mark Field, Peter Hayes, Andre Matuszyk and Pawan Padeliya bring decades of hospitality and cookery experience from Australia and overseas. They combine real-world industry insights with nationally recognised teaching qualifications to ensure our students receive relevant, high-quality training that prepares them for success in the workplace.

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