Chef Training & Hospitality
Love food? Love people? Turn your passion into a career!
At UCOL, our Chef Training and Hospitality programmes teach you the skills to create culinary masterpieces and deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
With New Zealand ranked among the world’s top holiday destinations, skilled chefs and hospitality professionals are always in high demand.
Learn from our expert tutors and gain hands-on experience in our campus restaurants, serving real customers and mastering the art of cookery, baking, and hospitality.
Explore our programmes below and talk to us today.
Chef Training
Kick-start your professional cooking career with UCOL’s Chef Training programmes. Our team of highly experienced, passionate lecturers will teach you the skills needed to succeed in this exciting industry.
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
1 semester (18 weeks)
16 Feb 2026 – 19 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 – 20 Nov 2026
Master the basics, sharpen your skills, and cook up a career in the hospitality industry.
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
Palmerston North
16 Feb 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 (intake full)
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 – 20 Nov 2026
Fire up your future and take your culinary skills to the next level! Gain real kitchen skills and start your journey as a junior chef.
U-Skills STAR Introduction to Bakery
1 week (Monday - Friday)
2026 dates TBC
Love the smell of fresh bread? Enjoy baking? Expand your skills and discover if a career pathway as a baker is for you.
U-Skills Academy Cookery
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery day: Thursday
Learn cooking and hospitality basics and study while still in secondary school!
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Cookery Level 3
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 30 Oct 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Thursdays and Fridays
Whanganui - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Gain advanced skills in cooking and preparing food, so you’re ready to work in a commercial kitchen!
U-Skills STAR Café Service Skills
Two Fridays
2026 dates TBC
Enjoy preparing food? Get hands on experience and upskill in this area while still in school.
Hospitality
Open the door to a great career in hospitality with UCOL. Our programmes will teach you all the ‘front-of-house’ skills needed to work in restaurants, hotels, cafes and other hospitality outlets. You'll also gain valuable training and real-world experience at industry events and functions.
New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)
19 weeks full-time
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Serve up success! Learn the skills to step into the exciting world of hospitality.
New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)
19 weeks full-time
Serve with style, lead with confidence. Take your hospitality service skills to the next level!
U-Skills STAR Introduction to Barista
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, Wairarapa in Masterton
1 week
13 Jul 2026 - 17 Jul 2026
28 Sep 2026 – 02 Oct 2026
Delivery days:
Monday - Friday
Love coffee and want to learn how to become a barista? Find out what it takes to become a coffee making master and study while still in school!
U-Skills Academy Cafe Skills
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery day: Friday
Keen to discover the thrill of hospitality! Learn what it takes thrive in this industry and open doors to endless opportunities!