You’ll learn to prepare food and hot beverages safely in café and restaurant settings. This includes preparing and presenting espresso beverages, basic baked goods, and pantry foods.
The programme includes hands-on learning. You’ll get to practice your new barista and cookery skills in the fully equipped Future Skills kitchen. During your final course, you’ll prepare a menu and deliver a simple food service as part of a team.
This programme is great for school leavers, new immigrants, and mature students who haven’t yet completed a qualification.
The Introduction to Hospitality Skills (Café and Restaurant Services) (Level 2) also provides a pathway to higher-level qualifications for those who wish to pursue a career in hospitality.
Graduates may be employed in basic roles in the hospitality industry, such as barista or catering assistants. They may also assist with catering at marae, churches and other community events.
Restaurants and cafés were severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. However, the industry is now seeing a rapid rise in employment, with a projected trend of 182,000 workers in the industry in 2025 and 191,000 by 2028.
Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council (2023) says the hospitality industry is currently facing a skills and labour shortage at unprecedented levels. Ringa Hora predict that demand will continue to increase as more restaurants, cafés and bars open in response to New Zealanders spending more on eating out and as tourism increases.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences. (Applicants who are 15 years of age at the time of enrolment may be accepted with an early leaving exemption from school.)
Applicants will need to achieve Step 2 for Literacy on the LNAAT test. Applicants must be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a level which will enable them to successfully participate in the programme.
Applicants may be screened to assess suitability.
This programme is made up of five courses.
Safety in Hospitality
You'll learn about the identification of hazards, safe working practices, personal hygiene requirements and prevention of food contamination.
Introduction to Barista Skills
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to prepare and present a range of espresso beverages using commercial-grade espresso machines.
Introduction to Baking
You’ll learn to prepare and present a range of basic baked goods.
Introduction to Cookery
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to prepare food using a range of basic cooking methods of frying, grilling, poaching, and boiling. You’ll also be able to prepare, assemble, and present pantry food such as sandwiches, wraps, charcuterie, and antipasto trays.
Food Service
You'll learn to work in a team environment to plan, prepare and deliver a food service.
This programme provides a pathway to higher-level qualifications for those who wish to pursue a career in hospitality.
It can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3). This Level 3 qualification can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) which in turn leads to the New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with strands in Cookery and Patisserie.
The Introduction to Barista and Cookery Skills (Level 2) can also lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Catering Services (Level 3) or the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3) with strands in Barista, Bar Services, Buffet Services, Cafe Services, Functions Services, Quick Service Restaurant Services, and Restaurant Services.
A space is provided on campus where all students can complete their self-managed learning.
All learning resources are located on an online learning platform called Moodle.
We have free Wi-Fi on campus and Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams for school and home use.
Our learning space includes a fully equipped training kitchen, food safety gear, and washroom facilities.
You will be able to ask your lecturers any questions about your assessments and learning.
We also have a dedicated Student Services Team who can help you with any academic or personal issues you face during your time with us.
Will this qualification be recognised in the education sector where I will work?
Yes, this qualification is NZQA-approved and recognised by New Zealand employers.
What is the application process?
You can find an easy step-by-step guide to applying and enrolling in a programme by clicking here.
What if I miss some classes?
You will have access to all the learning material on our learning management system, Moodle; however, every learning session is essential to your learning, and attendance is very important.
Will I be able to manage my time?
We acknowledge there may be times when it becomes difficult to juggle your priorities. If you face any struggles, our supportive lecturers and Student Services Team are here to help you.
Do I need to have any computer skills?
Yes, you will need basic computer skills and a laptop to be successful in the programme.
What are my job prospects like after graduating?
The industry is already seeing a rapid rise in employment, with a projected trend of 182,000 workers in the industry in 2025 and 191,000 by 2028.
Where can I work after graduating?
You can work in a range of roles including Barista, Kitchen Hand, Bakery Assistant, Service Staff.
Is there cultural support for me?
Yes, we have activities and cultural events to celebrate the many diverse ethnicities at our campuses.