Cookery

We offer three levels of cookery training: Level 3 (20 weeks, 60 credits) covers foundational cooking skills and food safety; Level 4 (40 weeks) focuses on advanced culinary techniques including complex dishes and pastry work; and Level 5 Diploma (80 weeks, 240 credits) provides world-class chef training with innovative techniques. All courses include internships at real restaurants and result in NZQA-approved qualifications.

You can enrol if you're aged 16 or older (18+ for international students). No prior culinary experience is required for Level 3, though passion for cooking is essential. Level 4 and 5 courses may require completion of lower levels or equivalent experience. International students need IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) and will receive additional visa support.

You'll learn in fully equipped commercial kitchens using industry-standard equipment, train under qualified chefs with restaurant experience, and complete guaranteed internships at successful local restaurants. Our Level 5 diploma features unique opportunities including training with Olympic chefs and potential international placements.

You can enrol if you're aged 16 or older (18+ for international students). No prior culinary experience is required for Level 3, though passion for cooking is essential. Level 4 and 5 courses may require completion of lower levels or equivalent experience. International students need IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) and will receive additional visa support.

You'll learn in fully equipped commercial kitchens using industry-standard equipment, train under qualified chefs with restaurant experience, and complete guaranteed internships at successful local restaurants. Our Level 5 diploma features unique opportunities including training with Olympic chefs and potential international placements.

Level 3 covers kitchen fundamentals, food safety, basic cooking techniques, and menu planning. Level 4 advances to complex dishes, sophisticated soups, desserts, and pastry work. Level 5 includes innovative culinary techniques, molecular gastronomy, high-end commercial kitchen operations, and advanced leadership skills. All levels emphasise practical, hands-on learning.

Yes, all our NZQA-approved cookery qualifications are recognised across Australia and other countries, opening doors for international career opportunities. New Zealand-trained chefs are particularly welcomed in Australia and countries with working agreements for New Zealanders.

Graduates work in restaurants, hotels, cafes, cruise ships, and catering operations. Entry-level chefs earn $60,000-$65,000 annually, while head chefs command $80,000-$90,000. The hospitality industry has high demand for qualified chefs due to skill shortages and growing tourism.

Yes, we provide all necessary professional equipment, chef uniforms, and materials for your training. You'll learn on the same tools you'll use in professional kitchens, giving you real-world experience from day one.

All courses include substantial hands-on learning in our commercial kitchens plus real restaurant internships: Level 3 includes 40 hours, Level 4 includes 80 hours, and Level 5 includes 230 hours at top restaurants. This ensures you graduate job-ready with actual industry experience.