Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Generalist) (Level 4)

Overview

Gain baking and patisserie skills and open a world of job opportunities. Work with doughs, pastries and decorative mediums to produce sale-ready quality bakery and patisserie items. Grow your capability to work as part of a commercial bakery team, by getting real experience in a bakery or patisserie environment.

Program Details

Level

4

Campus

Petone

Start Date

23/02/2026

Duration

1 year, full-time

Domestic Fees

TBA

What You Will Learn

Whether you want to expand your culinary skills in patisserie or continue on your journey as a baker. You will gain the advanced patisserie and baking skills necessary to produce:

• Restaurant-quality desserts
• Work with decorative mediums to finish gateaux and celebration cakes
• Experience the development of a range of superior doughs and baked goods

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Understand the success techniques that contribute to well-made bread; from handling through to baking of simple, laminated and complex bread from around the world
• Learn the practical importance of organising your work and professional communication when baking in a team
• Understand gluten-free and other dietary requirements
• Broaden knowledge of bakery science, terminologies and commodities associated with Baking
• Understand the safe handling and maintenance of bakery equipment
• Undertake a work experience placement within industry

Career Options

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

Entry Requirements

Under 20 years

• 60 credits at NCEA level 1, including 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits, or successful completion of New Zealand Certificate Baking (Level 3)

Over 20 years

• If you’re 20 years or over, you may qualify for special admission on this programme. Contact us if you don’t meet the Under 20 entry criteria

International students

• IELTS (academic) score of 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent

Additional Requirements

• You must be able to carry out the physical requirements of the programme

Programme Status

• Programme subject to NZQA approval

Institution

• Whitireia and WelTec are a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.