New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

Hospo, Food & Tourism

Gain practical skills in food preparation and cookery with the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) and prepare for a career as a chef in a commercial kitchen environment.

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This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 4 Certification

Study Level

Entry

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In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Not specified (Whitireia and WelTec campuses), Wellington region

It will take a total of 1 year

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Develop practical cookery skills

Gain hands-on experience in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of a wide variety of dishes using different methods and techniques.

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Apply food safety and compliance knowledge

Understand and implement food safety, health and safety, and standard operating procedures within a commercial kitchen context.

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Operate effectively in a commercial kitchen

Work as part of a professional team in a commercial kitchen environment, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork skills.

What You're Signing Up For

The New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) at Whitireia and WelTec is a one-year, hands-on programme designed for those looking to start or advance their career as a chef. The course covers essential cookery methods, complex dishes, larder and catering operations, food safety, and compliance in commercial kitchens. It is delivered full-time on campus with an alternative Managed Traineeship pathway for those already working in the industry. Graduates will be ready for entry-level positions in various hospitality settings, with opportunities for progression as experience is gained.

Course Content

  • Cooking methods and their applications
  • Cold larder techniques
  • Food safety, Health and safety
  • Standard operating policies and procedures for commercial kitchens
  • Preparation, cooking and presentation of fish dishes
  • Farinaceous and vegetable dishes
  • Preparation, cooking and presentation of meat and poultry dishes
  • Patisserie techniques to produce and present desserts
  • Techniques to produce dough and pastry products

What you need to know first

60 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits, or equivalent (for applicants under 20 years old)

Special admission possible for applicants 20 years or over who do not meet Under 20 criteria

Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the programme

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Hospitality

  • Food Service

  • Tourism

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Trainee / Commis Chef

  • Demi Chef de Partie

  • Chef De Partie

  • Sous Chef

  • Head chef

  • Executive Chef