New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain fundamental culinary skills and food safety knowledge to work in the hospitality industry with this introductory, practical course in cookery.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 17 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Apply basic cookery techniques
Develop and demonstrate fundamental culinary skills used by chefs and cooks in the hospitality industry.
Work effectively in professional kitchen teams
Gain experience in kitchen teamwork, communication, and workflow by preparing and serving food alongside peers.
Demonstrate food safety and OSH practices
Identify and manage workplace risks such as burns and cuts, while maintaining hygiene and safety standards.
What You're Signing Up For
This hands-on introductory programme equips you with the core cookery, teamwork and food safety skills needed for hospitality. Learn and practice foundational culinary techniques in a professional kitchen environment, preparing a variety of dishes suitable for cafés, restaurants, and bakeries. Complete the certificate to pursue further culinary studies or add food and beverage skills for a versatile hospitality career.
Course Content
- Introduction to Cookery Skills 1: Basic culinary skills and kitchen safety, including breakfast dishes and light meals for café menus.
- Introduction to Cookery Skills 2: Teamwork in a professional kitchen, preparing and serving restaurant-quality food to customers.
- Introduction to Cookery Skills 3: Basic bakery and pastry skills, cooking sweet treats and baked goods.
- Introduction to Cookery Skills 4: Café fare including pies, salads, and classic cabinet food.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awareness for working in commercial kitchens.
What you need to know first
Open entry; no academic entry requirements.
International students will be individually assessed for their readiness.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Food and Beverage
Tourism
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level chef or cook in cafés, restaurants, and bakeries.
Commis chef or kitchen assistant.
Food preparation staff in a range of hospitality environments.
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.