Professional Cookery Courses NZ | Chef Training Auckland

On campus

NZ CertificateLevel 360 credits20 weeksWiri Campus

Intakes: 22 September | 27 October

Master chef skills to master your future.

Make your food obsession pay off with professional chef training that prepares you for New Zealand's vibrant hospitality industry. This intensive cookery course programme builds the culinary skills, food safety knowledge and kitchen leadership abilities you need to thrive in restaurants, hotels, cafes and cruise ships across Auckland and Wellington.

Who can enrol?

Open to students aged 16 or over (18+ for international students), this Level 3 cookery course is designed for those who want to build a professional culinary career. Whether you're starting fresh, seeking a career change or want to formalise your existing kitchen skills with proper qualifications, this cookery course provides the foundation for long-term employment in New Zealand's hospitality courses sector.

What makes this course effective?

Real commercial kitchen training:

Learn in fully equipped professional kitchens using industry-standard equipment and techniques that mirror real workplace environments in our Auckland campus facilities.

Industry-experienced instructors:

Train under qualified chefs who've worked in top restaurants, hotels and catering operations across New Zealand and internationally, bringing current industry knowledge to your chef training.

Comprehensive skill development:

Master everything from knife skills and food safety to menu planning, cost control and kitchen management fundamentals through hands-on hospitality courses methodology.

Job placement support:

Benefit from our strong industry connections and placement assistance in a market where qualified chefs are in demand across New Zealand's growing food service sector.

What does this cookery course cover?

Our Level 3 professional chef training covers three essential culinary areas:

Kitchen fundamentals and food safety

Professional knife skills and basic cooking techniques
Food safety, hygiene standards and HACCP principles
Ingredient knowledge, storage and preparation methods
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance procedures

Menu development and production

Menu planning, costing and nutritional considerations
Cooking methods for diverse cuisines and dietary requirements
Food presentation, plating and garnishing techniques
Volume cooking and service timing in commercial environments

Kitchen leadership and operations

Stock management, ordering and inventory control
Staff supervision, training and kitchen team coordination
Cost control, portion management and waste reduction
Customer service excellence and complaint resolution

What qualifications will you gain?

Graduates receive the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery Level 3, a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates proven competence in professional kitchen operations. This cookery qualification is highly valued by employers across New Zealand's hospitality industry and provides pathways to advanced chef training programmes.

Industry information

New Zealand's restaurant sector is always hungry for qualified chefs. New Zealand-trained chefs are also welcomed in Australia and other countries that make it easy for Kiwis to work overseas with internationally recognised cookery courses qualifications.

From cruise ships to corporate kitchens

Demand for chefs is high due to a shortage of skilled workers, caused by more restaurants, cafes and bars opening to meet demand from locals and tourists. Chefs now earn between $60,000 and $65,000 annually, while head chefs command $80,000 to $90,000. Chef positions (Chef de Partie or higher) remain on New Zealand's skill shortage lists, with opportunities spanning restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, cruise ships and corporate catering across diverse workplace environments throughout Auckland, Wellington, and nationwide.

What makes someone excel in professional cookery?

Successful chefs balance creativity with precision, transforming raw ingredients into delicious dishes while maintaining efficient service speeds. They have sharp practical skills, an intuitive understanding of flavour combinations and the physical stamina to handle demanding kitchen environments. Beyond cooking prowess, top chefs demonstrate strong business skills through menu costing, inventory management and staff training that they develop through comprehensive chef training programmes.

Cookery Course FAQs

Your questions about building a culinary career in New Zealand's vibrant food and hospitality industry, answered.

What jobs can I apply for after completing this course?

This qualification prepares you for roles such as chef, cook, kitchen hand, food service supervisor, and catering assistant across restaurants, hotels, cafes, hospitals, schools, and cruise ships. Many graduates progress to senior chef positions or start their own food businesses.

Will you help me get a job?

Yes! As part of your cookery course we spend time working on interview and CV-writing skills to make sure you leave us work ready. We also bring in speakers from industry to talk to you about what today's employers expect. Our tutors have excellent industry connections and can introduce you to potential employers across Auckland's hospitality sector.

Does the course include work experience?

Yes! Practical training is integrated throughout the programme with opportunities for industry placements in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and catering operations to give you real-world experience.

How much does this course cost?

You might be eligible for government funding or student loans. Talk with our Student Support Team to find out about available financial assistance options for cookery courses in New Zealand.

What time does my course start and finish?

Course schedules vary by intake. Contact us to discuss current timetable options that fit with your availability and career goals.

How long will it take me to complete?

This intensive cookery course is completed over 22 weeks, providing comprehensive chef training in a focused timeframe.

How many credits will I receive?

The New Zealand Certificate in Cookery Level 3 is NZQA-approved and worth 71 credits, providing a solid foundation for further study or immediate employment in professional kitchens.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes, this NZQA-approved cookery qualification is recognised across Australia and other countries, opening doors for international career opportunities in the global hospitality industry.

What equipment and resources will I need?

We provide all necessary equipment, uniforms, and materials for your chef training. You'll train with professional-grade kitchen equipment and tools used in commercial kitchens across New Zealand.

What does a typical day look like?

Your cookery course includes hands-on practical sessions in our professional kitchen facilities, theory classes covering food safety and nutrition, menu planning workshops, and skill development in knife work, cooking techniques, and food presentation. You'll work with fresh ingredients daily and learn to prepare diverse cuisines under expert chef instruction.

Find your path

If you’re not sure where to start, try one of the options below.

Explore career pathways

Discover the steps to your dream career, from training and education to landing your perfect job

Take our career quiz

Not sure where to start? Take our 5 minute career quiz and discover the path that’s right for you

Cookery (Level 3)