Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Get the skills needed for work in cafés and restaurants.
This programme will give you the knowledge and skills you need to provide service in cafés and restaurants. You’ll learn about food preparation and service, gain barista skills and gain skills in kitchen health and safety and customer service.
Our food and beverage qualifications can start you on your career pathway within the hospitality industry, giving you experience in kitchen and front of house operations.
You will complete the following courses to achieve the qualification with additional strands in Café Services and Barista.
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).
Te Tupu Tahi - Workplace-based training available
Already working in a café or restaurant? Keen to learn while you earn? We work alongside Restaurant Association to offer a unique learning plan based on your current work experience. 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.
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.
The trainees will be referred to as māhuri, based upon a Māori proverb: Ko te tupu o te māhuri tera te tupu o te rakau. The bend in a young sapling is indicative of how the tree will grow.
During the programme the trainees/māhuri will:
- Attend on-campus sessions and assessments.
- 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 hospitality workers an opportunity to earn qualifications while in work.
Please contact Stuart McGechan for more information, 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.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Additional costs
Black leather closed toe shoes, suitable for commercial kitchen environment
Uniform and workbooks provided
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Career opportunities and pathways
- Café staff
- Barista
- Counter service
- Functions staff
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
