The Cooks Pathway.
“One provider, one certificate, one career.“
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to work in the hospitality industry onshore and at sea.
Accreditations: Highfield – Internationally Recognised
Port Elizabeth / Hout Bay / St Helena Bay Training Centre • Job-Ready in Months, Not Years
Cook Pathway – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
South Africa’s culinary sector is expanding rapidly, so we still need more cooks.
The Crossover Advantage
You don’t just get a culinary certificate. You get an internationally recognised maritime safety qualification.
The Lifestyle
Travel the world while doing what you love, earn in hard currency, no university debt, and a clear path from Commis to Executive Cook.
Security
This is a recession-resistant, regulation-driven career with global demand.
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 Diploma for Professional Cooks (RQF) (6 Months)
Course 2
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF)– (1 Day)
Course 3
Highfield Level 2 Award in HACCP for Catering (RQF) – (1 Day)
Course 4
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness and Control in Catering (RQF) – (1 Day)
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Matric (Grade 12) with Maths
- Must be 18 years or older
Additional Requirements:
Pass Medical, willing to work in confined kitchens, able to handle irregular hours.
Where can I work ?
- Café, Restaurants, Kitchens across the world.
- Galley Assistant / Commis Chef
- Private yacht cook (Mediterranean / Caribbean / South Pacific)
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Working with qualified maritime chefs in a controlled training galley, learning provisioning for restricted spaces, menu planning for international crews, and HACCP compliance.
The Cooks Career Ladder
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Additional Services
- Logbook guidance & completion tracking
- CV & video resume workshop tailored to recruitment
- Start building your Photo portfolio of dishes prepared, plating examples
- Interview simulation with management standards
- Recruitment partner introductions
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
- Access to refresher training as your career progresses
Useful Tips
- Work hard — galley life is demanding but deeply rewarding
- Be early — discipline at sea starts on day one of training
- Understand project management — provisioning, budgeting, and dietary planning are core skills
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
Is this safe for my son/daughter?
STCW includes personal survival, firefighting, and security training. Ships are heavily regulated environments with 24/7 medical centres and strict safety protocols.
What if they don't get a job?
Global shortage of certified ship’s cooks. MLC 2006 compliance means vessels must carry certified catering staff. Our recruitment partners actively seek our graduates.
Why not just go to culinary school?
Traditional culinary school takes 2–3 years and costs significantly more. This pathway is months, internationally recognised, and opens doors both on land and at sea.
Can they work locally too?
Absolutely. Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies in PE, Cape Town, and coastal towns all require Food Safety Level 2 and HACCP certification — which you earn here.
Is this recognised overseas?
Yes. Highfield is UK-based and globally accepted.
What about accommodation during training?
We partner with local B&Bs and guest houses in all three training centre locations. Ask us for recommendations.
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.