Waiter/Waitress - How to get into this job
Kaitiaki Tēpu Kai
Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a waiter/waitress.
Secondary Education
There are no specific secondary educational requirements, but School Certificate or NCEA equivalent English is preferred.
Get help with choosing school subjectsTertiary Education
Hospitality qualifications such as the National Certificate in Hospitality are offered by polytechnics and include courses such as food health and safety, customer service, and coffee, wine and food theory.
Training on the job
Skills such as food and drink service, dealing with customers, cash handling and working with cash registers are gained on the job. Credits towards a National Certificate in Hospitality can be gained while working.
Training is also available from the NZ Army.
NZ Army website – information about army training
Useful Experience
Useful experience for waiters and waitresses includes:
any hospitality industry experienceany restaurant, café or catering workany work involving customer serviceretail work.
Updated
September 2009
