New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)
Food & Beverage
A course by
UCOL
Kickstart your hospitality career by learning the essentials of café and restaurant service, including food and beverage preparation, customer service, and industry-standard health and safety practices.
NZ$5,095
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 19 weeks
This course requires 35 hours per week
NZ$5,095
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Apply health, food safety, and security practices
Demonstrate safe and secure work habits, following standard operating procedures to ensure a safe hospitality environment.
Communicate confidently with colleagues and customers
Deliver effective, professional, and culturally appropriate service behaviours when dealing with a diverse client base.
Deal with familiar problems in hospitality environments
Resolve common issues such as complaints, time management, and work area organisation following industry standards.
What You're Signing Up For
Gain practical, hands-on skills in food and beverage service to become a valued member of any hospitality team. The New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3) covers professional standards in service, health and safety, barista skills, and restaurant operations. Learn from experienced tutors, train in UCOL's on-site training restaurants, and prepare for roles in cafés, restaurants, bars, and more.
Course Content
- Health and safety, food safety, and security practices
- Standard operating procedures in hospitality
- Customer service strategies and communication
- Host responsibility and complaint handling
- Sales techniques and professional behaviour
- Barista skills: espresso service, milk texturing, beverage presentation
- Restaurant service: equipment setup, food and beverage service, sustainability
- Order processing and product knowledge
- Work-integrated learning experiences
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 1 (including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits) OR equivalent academic achievement OR at discretion of Executive Dean
Find these employment opportunities
Café staffRestaurant staffBar staffHotel service staffFood and beverage attendantWork overseas in hospitality
Unlock these industries
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
