From enthusiastic beginner to industry-ready chef.
“Your hospitality career at sea, starts here.”
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to work on cruise ships, worldwide.
Accreditations: Highfield, QCTO • Nationally Recognised • Job-Ready in 2 Weeks
Galley Starter – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
South Africa’s hospitality sector employs over 300,000 people and is rebounding strongly. Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies are actively hiring — but only candidates with proper food safety and kitchen skills certifications get shortlisted.
The Crossover Advantage
You walk away with both food safety mastery and practical kitchen competence. That means you’re not just a cook — you’re a HACCP-compliant, health-and-safety-aware, employer-ready professional from day one.
The Lifestyle
Work in top restaurants, luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, and high-end catering companies. Build a career with clear promotion paths and the flexibility to work anywhere in the country — or abroad.
Security
Every commercial kitchen in South Africa must comply with food safety legislation. Certified kitchen staff are not optional — they are essential. The industry is growing, not shrinking.
Work.
Travel.
Earn.
Grow.
Your Adventure Starts Here.
Included in this career package
The training required by various industries and ships can vary depending on the type of ship, the position you’re applying for, and the company’s specific requirements. Make sure you enrol for the correct courses:
We recommend first checking with your recruitment agent or the company to confirm exactly which STCW certificates are required for your role. This will help ensure that you complete the appropriate training and avoid paying for any courses that may not be necessary.
From training to your first pay-cheque at sea. We guide you every step of the way.
Course 1
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF) (1 Day)
Course 2
Highfield Level 2 Certificate for Kitchen Assistants (RQF) (10 Days)
Course 3
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness and Control in Catering (RQF) (1 Day)
Course 4
Highfield Level 2 Award in HACCP for Catering (RQF) (1 Day)
Course 5
Highfield Level 2 Award in Health and Safety within the Workplace (RQF) (1 Day)
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Must be 18 years or older
Existing cooking experience preferred but not essential for entry-level kitchen roles.
Additional Requirements:
Passion for food and hospitality, ability to work under pressure, good personal hygiene standards, willingness to work shifts including weekends and public holidays.
Where can I work ?
- Commis chef/kitchen assistant in restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses
- Galley staff in corporate dining facilities and institutional kitchens
- Catering assistant with event and function catering companies
- Prep cook in fast-casual dining and food retail outlets
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Hands-on training in a simulated commercial kitchen environment, learning to prep, plate, and serve under realistic service pressure, managing dietary requirements for diverse guests, and practising safe food handling in a fast-paced setting.
Galley Starter Career Ladder
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Additional Services
- Hospitality-specific CV and cover letter workshop
- Interview simulation with restaurant groups, hotel HR teams, and hospitality recruiters
- Start building your Photo portfolio of dishes prepared, plating examples
- Recruitment partner introductions (hotel chains, restaurant groups, catering companies)
- Workplace readiness guidance for kitchen etiquette and team dynamics
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
Useful Tips
- Work hard — professional kitchens are demanding but reward dedication and skill
- Be early — punctuality is non-negotiable in any commercial kitchen
- Understand project management — stock control, portioning, and team coordination are daily realities
Invest in your Future
Payment Options
- Option #1 - Full upfront booking and payment – You Save as above.
- Option #2 - We can structure a deposit + Monthly installments; some discount applies.
- Option #3 - We can structure a deposit + Quarterly installments; some discount applies.
Loan Calculator
Ready to Launch
Take your first step towards your international career. Contact us and a career consultant will get back to you. All inquiries are responded to during regular business hours (Mon-Fri).
Your contact information is only used for the purpose intended and in accordance with our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a qualified chef already?
No. This package is designed for enthusiastic beginners and career-changers. Your certified food safety and kitchen assistant training make you entry-level ready.
Will I really get a job in a restaurant or hotel?
Yes. The hospitality industry actively recruits certified kitchen staff. With Food Safety + Kitchen Assistant + Allergen Awareness + HACCP, you meet the minimum requirements most employers demand.
What if I have never worked in a kitchen before?
The Level 2 Certificate for Kitchen Assistants is specifically designed to take you from zero to competent. Practical, hands-on training builds your confidence fast.
Can I work abroad with these certificates?
Yes. Highfield RQF qualifications are internationally recognised and accepted by employers in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and cruise ship sectors for land-based galley roles.
Package – Terms & Conditions
- Up-front payment is required to qualify for the saving.
- Once courses are booked, our refund policy applies.
- You have six months from the date of payment/booking to complete the courses included in the promotion.
- Courses can be booked and completed at any time during your 6-month validity period; consecutive course bookings are not required.
- Contact our Career Guidance if you are unsure of anything.