New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

• The ability to work well under pressure
• To be motivated and have a good work ethic
• A willingness to constantly update your skills.

• Open entry but preference will be given to those who hold the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) OR equivalent OR evidence of at least one year of relevant industry experience.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study. Click here for your country's equivalent entry criteria.  
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Additional documentation

You'll need to supply your academic records, along with certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency (where appropriate).

If you have industry experience, please also submit a CV with details of this.

Selection procedure

If the number of applicants exceed the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in the order that they applied. 

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Monitor and maintain health and safety, food safety and security practices to ensure your own safety and minimise potential hazards for customers.
• Monitor and maintain interactions between colleagues, managers and customers.
• Monitor and maintain the application of standard operating policies and procedures to work roles in a commercial kitchen.
• Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of cold larder dishes employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
• Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of hot kitchen dishes employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
• Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of patisserie and desserts employing complex preparation and presentation techniques. 

You will spend the majority of your time in the training and production kitchens. You will be required to participate in classroom and online learning. You will undertake work placement which is a vital component of this programme as you will be expected to compare Otago Polytechnic procedures and standards with what occurs in your placement.  

After successfully completing this Certificate, you will be in a great position to apply for the New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) (Cookery) offered in Central Otago, the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5) offered in Dunedin or the Bachelor of Culinary Arts offered in Dunedin.

There are a number of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues associated with practical work in areas specific to a commercial hospitality environment. These include, but are not limited to, burns from hot liquids or hot objects and cuts from sharp instruments. You will have access to an orientation booklet which covers the programme specific risks in more detail. 

During your induction day, you will have the opportunity to purchase your full uniform from Otago Polytechnic's preferred supplier. You should expect to spend approximately $450 on programme specific equipment. This will be covered by the 'Course-Related Costs' section of your student loan (if you are eligible - see the Student Loan and Allowance section below). You may already have some or all of the required uniform and equipment. 

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

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