This course is for aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts seeking a strong foundation in essential kitchen skills and food preparation. Whether you’re beginning your journey in the culinary arts or looking to enhance your proficiency, this 6-month programme equips you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to thrive in a professional kitchen.
Kitchen Hand – Mbombela Campus
Programme Details
The 6-month Kitchen Hand Programme combines in-depth theoretical learning and practical application, covering topics such as knife skills, food safety, hygiene standards, cooking methods, and kitchen operations. With weekly Moodle activities, hands-on assessments, and expert guidance, this programme ensures students are well-prepared for both exams and real-world culinary challenges.
Semester 1
- Personal hygiene and workplace standards
- Quality assurance in safety and food safety
- Numeracy, units of measurement and computer literacy
- Hospitality and the catering industry
- Basic ingredients and introduction to kitchen equipment
- Kitchen procedures and knife skills
- Food preparation methods and techniques
- Introduction to stocks, sauces and soups
- Moist heat methods of cooking
- Boiling, poaching and steaming
- Braising and stewing
- Baking and pastry
- Dry heat methods of cooking
- Baking, roasting and grilling
- Deep frying and shallow frying
- Cold food presentation principles
- Personal development within hospitality and catering
- Career opportunities in hospitality
Certification & Career Path
Upon completion, participants receive a Occupational Certificate: Kitchen Hand (110354) – NQF Level 3, that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in hospitality and catering. Graduates are equipped to excel as kitchen hands or progress into advanced culinary training, paving the way for careers as chefs and food service professionals.
Ideal for
Individuals passionate about food and looking to break into the hospitality industry. This course is perfect for those eager to develop critical culinary skills, build confidence in the kitchen, and lay a solid foundation for further training or employment in professional kitchens.
Further Education
For those interested in advancing their culinary education, options include progressing to our Foundation Programme, Professional Chef Programme or Professional Pastry Programme.
Programme Overview
6 Months
2 days per week on Campus for theory and practical lessons. This programme also includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
Occupational Certificate: Kitchen Hand (110354) - NQF Level 3

Programme starts 26 February 2025 and ends 31 August 2025.
FURTHER YOUR STUDIES
- Foundation Programme in Professional Cooking
- Professional Chef Programme
- Professional Pastry Programme
- Professional Chef and Pastry Programme