New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 60 credits. The courses include;

Operational Restaurant Service (20 Credits)
Learn to become a competent food server with advanced skills. The course covers:

• Menu design - factors influencing menu style; types of menus; menu terms; principles of menu design; menus for dietary needs; and upselling skills
• Advanced food service - silver service and other advanced service techniques
• Supervisory food service - styles of service, staff requirements and customer considerations.

Operational Beverage Service (25 Credits)
Learn to become a competent beverage server with advanced skills, and how to monitor and maintain legislative compliance requirements for a hospitality establishment. The course covers:

• Preparation and presentation of espresso and other beverages from an espresso machine - bean-to-cup processes for coffee; storage and handling of products used by a barista; espresso and milk preparation; presentation techniques; faults and corrections in brewing processes; and other beverages, including hot chocolate, chai latte etc.
• Preparation and presentation of tea beverages - harvest and process methods; types of tea; preparation and service of tea; and storage and handling of tea
• Espresso equipment identification, handling and maintenance - equipment types and uses; maintenance; equipment faults; and emergency repairs
• Non-alcoholic beverages - mineral waters; juices; smoothies; preparation and service techniques; and fault identification and correction
• Wines, spirits and liqueurs, beer and cider - production processes; types and styles; preparation and service techniques; and fault identification and correction
• Cocktail mixology - production processes; types and styles; preparation and service techniques; and fault identification and correction
• Hospitality specific legislation - Smoke Free Environments Act; Privacy Act; Innkeepers Act; Consumer Guarantees Act; and Employment Legislation
• Management of licensed premises - nature and effect of alcohol; legal requirements and offences when managing a licensed premise; benefits of responsible service of alcohol; liquor licence criteria and offences against; maintenance of a safe drinking environment as a manager of licensed premises; and service techniques for prohibited persons and slowing of service.

Hospitality Service Standards (15 Credits)
Learn standards of professional practice for advanced food and beverage service. The course covers:

• Hazards within the workplace
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Food safety management
• Food safety plans
• Advanced customer service

Applicants should have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3) with strands in Café Services and Functions Services, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification in hospitality, or have the equivalent industry skills and knowledge.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Full attendance is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities and to optimise success for learners.

This programme will require students to work after hours when studying at the Palmerston North or Whanganui campus. This programme leads on from the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 3 (with strands in Café Services and Functions Services) programme and is for those learners wanting to work in restaurants or bars.

It is recommended that applicants have met the literacy and numeracy requirements for NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

Timetable
Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:

•  18 hours of lecturer supported learning (class time, theory, computer work and real-life experience in the UCOL Te Pūkenga training restaurant*)
•  18 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on practical skill development, theory and computer work to complete your assignments)

*Work in the UCOL Te Pūkenga training restaurants is dependent on time of year.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).