This allows you to further your education while remaining in work. This pathway provides the benefits of career advancement, flexibility, and tailored projects that align with your career aspirations and workplace needs. 

Entry requirements

• To enter this programme, you will need to have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), or have the equivalent industry experience.
• You will also need to be currently working in the food sector and have the support of your employer or community partner.
• The programme will work closely with you and your employer or community partner to establish a learning agreement.
• As part of this learning agreement, the workplace will need to provide a mentor for you, and opportunities to extend your skills and capabilities.

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 (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).
• You must supply certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency (if needed). 

Fees 

*This fee includes a 50% discount off the standard domestic diploma fee and a 25% discount off a standard international fee. Fees may vary so please contact us for more information.

What are some typical workplace projects?

This programme focuses on understanding the operational needs of a workplace and designing dishes that are sustainably viable. The following are examples of the kind of project work that learners can complete as part of the Level 5 Work-Integrated programme:

• Designing dishes for special events, daily specials, or new menu items
• Developing kitchen management processes, such as rosters, workplans, training plans, standard operating procedures, and standardised recipes.
• Designing, planning and guiding other staff through the implementation of special events within the workplace 

How are projects negotiated?

Projects are negotiated through a series of meetings held between learners, workplace representatives, and lecturers. During these meetings, we discuss what new learning needs to occur and what possible workplace activities could facilitate this learning. The intention of these meetings is to ensure that learners have project work that provides them with opportunities to gain new skills and capabilities while bringing benefits to the workplace.

What happens if I change or lose my job?

Cheffing is a transient occupation by nature. 

If you change jobs, the programme will negotiate a learning agreement with your new employer. If, for reasons beyond your control, you find yourself out of work, you can join the on-campus taught pathway to continue your studies and complete your diploma.

What happens if there is a mentor-employee breakdown?

We acknowledge that a mentor-employee relationship may break down. Regular contact between lecturers, learners, and mentors will ensure that any points of stress or conflict regarding the programme are identified and resolved early and quickly. If this is not possible, learners may access mentors from the Professional Mentor Network or choose to join the taught pathway.