This is the next step after the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3). You’ll learn to prepare, cook and present a range of cold larder dishes, hot kitchen dishes, patisserie and desserts.

The purpose of this qualification is:

• To provide for those individuals who are employed as chefs in intermediate positions, a credential that will enhance their employment opportunities in a commercial kitchen across the hospitality sector.
• To establish standards of professional practice for complex cookery that can provide customers with confidence in a range of hospitality environments.

You will learn to:

• Monitor and maintain health and safety, food safety and security practices to ensure 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.

Career opportunities and pathways include any role within the hospitality industry that requires chefs in intermediate positions producing complex dishes in a professional kitchen.

Workload & schedule

This programme involves 24 hours of teaching spread over four days, in addition to 12 hours of self-directed study per week. You will also participate in various culinary events, so will be required to attend two evening events (dates will be advised at or shortly after programme commencement).

Part-time employment in the hospitality industry is expected on this programme.

Te Tupu Tahi - Workplace-based training available

Already working as a chef or in a junior position in a commercial kitchen? Keen to learn while you learn? We work alongside Restaurant Association to offer your own unique learning plan based on experience you are already developing on the job. You must be employed a minimum of 15 hours per week and be available to attend some classes and assessments at NorthTec.

Te Tupu Tahi has been developed by the Restaurant Association and NorthTec after recognising a need to grow and develop the hospitality industry in Te Tai Tokerau. Te Tupu Tahi represents ‘to grow together or simultaneously’ growing the akōnga/employee as well as the business by upskilling the employee to gain a sense of accomplishment, increase industry knowledge, gain a NZQA qualification and therefore be a more valuable asset to the business itself.

During the programme the trainees/māhuri will:

• Attend on-campus sessions.
• Be supported in their workplace by the Restaurant Association Te Tupu Tahi coordinator and by NorthTec kaiako. 
• Engage in online self-directed learning for most of the theory work in the programme. 

In collaboration with both the employer and employee, a full schedule will be given to the student in consultation with the employer at the beginning of the programme advising when the māhuri will attend classes.

The training programme comprises workplace-based training along with online learning and gives junior chefs working in professional kitchens, or those interested in becoming chefs an opportunity to receive a NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 and Level 4 while in work.

The programme name ‘Te Tupu Tahi’, represents ‘to grow together or simultaneously’ which is what this traineeship aims to do: grow the akōnga/employee as well as the business and therefore the hospitality industry as a whole. 

The trainees will be referred to as māhuri, based upon a Māori proverb. Meaning sapling, they represent a young tree that we will nurture, shape, develop, and teach to grow for the industry.

Please contact Stuart McGechan for for info, or apply below.

Stuart McGechan, Te Tupu Tahi Traineeship Coordinator

The Te Tupu Tahi coordinator works to ensure the smooth training, mentoring and supporting of Māhuri and employers – maintaining strong communicative relationships with both, with a strong local connection to the Te Tai Tokerau community and industry. Stuart brings a wealth of experience and passion for leadership and development within the Hospitality Industry.

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