New Hospitality Course Offered in Central Otago

Media release from Otago Polytechnic

27 October 2009

A new part-time summer course launched in Central Otago today (27 October) offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to get ahead in the hospitality industry.

The Certificate in Café and Bar teaches the wide range of skills required by the hospitality industry for those who work in cafes and bars.

The 18-week part-time course runs from 23 November to 26 March at Otago Polytechnic’s Cromwell campus including a six-week break over Christmas. Students attend classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 3pm.

The course is taught by industry professionals Trish Wilson and Larry Naylor. Ms Wilson, an Executive Chef with more than 20 years industry experience, covers catering and barista skills while Mr Naylor, one of the foremost authorities on bartending and alcohol service in New Zealand, teaches bar service and legal requirements.

Ms Wilson says the Certificate in Café and Bar is aimed at school leavers, people already in the industry who want to upskill or those looking to get a headstart in the industry.

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to upskill their staff. It works both ways –the business owner may agree to pay some of the course fees as a staff incentive and, in return, benefits from better skilled employees.”

Subjects covered in the course include:

* Legal Requirements - includes Food Safety, Sale of Liquor Act and Host Responsibility. Following successful completion, students can apply for a General Manager’s licence.

* Cafe Service - includes Barista training, knife skills, counter food preparation and service, and creating menus and staff rosters

* Bar Service - knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, wine service and cocktail making

* Service - taking reservations and payments (includes preparing the cash register float and cashing up), meeting and greeting, and knowledge of the hospitality industry

Students get hands on experience at Molyneux, Otago Polytechnic’s training restaurant which will be opened for café-style dining during the course.

Ms Wilson says she’s looking forward to opening Molyneux in a different format.

“Normally we use the restaurant for dinners and theme nights but this time we’ll open it café-style which will be lovely for the public as well as our students. People can come during the day for a coffee and sweet treat, for lunch or to enjoy the fabulous mountains views of the Pisa over a glass of wine and antipasto platter.”

Successful completion of the NZQA-recognised Certificate in Cafe & Bar earns the equivalent of 60 credits towards the Certificate in Restaurant, Bar and Wine (Level 4) and the National Diploma in Hospitality (Management) (Level 5). The course is endorsed by the New Zealand Bartenders Guild.

Enrolments are now open and places can be reserved by contacting the Otago Polytechnic on 0800 765 9276. Applications close 5pm, Friday 13 November.

The course is Government-subsided for domestic students and costs $999 (usually $2,725). Participants are also entitled to an interest-free student loan.

For more information please visit http://http://www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz.

ENDS