Hospitality in New Zealand

Working as a Chef in New Zealand

International students wanting to pursue their career as a Chef can start with a New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) and New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) as a two year programme.

Students can also get industry placements to support learning.

It is a good course if you have long-term career aspirations for any of the following positions:

• Kitchen manager
• Sous chef
• Banquet chef
• Executive chef
• Food production manager

International students need a minimum IELTS (academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5, or equivalent.

Pay for chefs in New Zealand depends on the size, type and location of the establishment they work in, and the position they hold.

• Apprentice chefs usually earn minimum wage or a little more.
• Commis chefs usually earn $40,000 to $48,000 a year.
• Chefs de partie usually earn $48,000 to $58,000.
• Sous chefs usually earn $55,000 to $65,000.
• Head/executive chefs can earn $65,000 to $100,000.

Ref to Careers NZ website.

Chef in New Zealand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KiIUjZMnes&feature=emb_logo

Demand: Chef is in the long term skill shortage list.

Working as a Baker in New Zealand

International students in baking can start with a New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Generalist) (Level 4). For professionals, with relevant experience a PG Diploma in Hospitality can also be a good option.

Career options:

• Pastry chef
• Artisan baker
• Commercial baker
• Numerous hospitality opportunities café’s, restaurants, hotels, bakeries and catering companies

Baker in New Zealand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPRHKmj5ZaE&feature=emb_logo

Pay for bakers in New Zealand varies according to experience between 40,000 NZD to 67,000 NZD.
Ref to Careers NZ website

Demand: Baker is in the Regional Skill shortage List. (Ref: https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/baker/)

Working as a cafe or restaurant manager in New Zealand

International students can expect to work as a cafe or restaurant manager after completing Diploma in Hospitality (Level 5). The one year course helps you learn about how to run business operations, lead the team and plan events. The course is focused on management aspects in hospitality and enhances food, beverage and accommodation management knowledge.

Career Options: Professionals with previous experience as Chef or baker or someone wanting to become a Cafe/restaurant managers are in charge of running cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets.

Pay for a cafe manager or restaurant manager in New Zealand is generally between minimum wage and $21 an hour. Cafe managers usually earn between $21 and $24 an hour. Restaurant managers can earn between $21 and $34 an hour. Ref Careers NZ

Cafe manager in New Zealand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ga-RDuO99Y&feature=emb_logo

Demand: Job opportunities are low due to lack of demand in the industry.