This Bachelor of Culinary Arts Work Integrated Learning (WIL) pathway at Otago Polytechnic is designed for learners currently employed in the food sector. It allows students to advance their education through customized projects that integrate with their workplace. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing may allow entry to later years of the degree. The programme involves collaboration between the learner, employer/mentor, and lecturers to design projects that facilitate new skill acquisition and career progression, including mentoring support and flexibility to transfer to an on-campus taught pathway if employment changes. The programme aims to develop practical culinary skills, business operations knowledge, sustainability practices, and innovative food product creation within the workplace context.

Course Content

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing

• Customized projects aligned with workplace needs

• Mentoring arrangements with workplace mentors

• Designing dishes for events and daily specials

• Implementing kitchen-to-garden practices

• Reviewing kitchen systems for sustainability

• Designing training plans, rosters, and inventory systems

• Developing new food and beverage product offerings

• Conducting social media projects for food and beverage marketing

• Negotiation of learning projects between learners, workplaces and lecturers

• Options to continue study if employment changes or mentor relationship ends