OCCUPATIONAL TRADE CERTIFICATE: FOOD HANDLER
Overview
Occupational Trade Certificate: Food Handler
This 2-month full-time course is designed for individuals who want to work in food service environments, focusing on essential food safety, hygiene, and handling practices. It leads to a QCTO Part-Qualification: Food Handler (NQF Level 2, 32 credits) and includes an aligned International Highfield Food Safety Certificate.
A Food Handler is responsible for:
- Safe preparation, handling, and distribution of food
- Maintaining hygiene standards and preventing contamination
- Supporting team members in ensuring a clean and compliant food service environment
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Understand and implement food safety regulations and practices
- Apply personal hygiene and workplace cleanliness standards
- Identify common food allergens and manage cross-contamination risks
- Ensure safe food storage and temperature control
- Communicate effectively about food safety with team members
What You’ll Learn
- Introduction to food hygiene and personal protective measures
- Safe handling, preparation, and portioning of food items
- Understanding of cross-contamination and allergen management
- Temperature control, food storage, and expiry monitoring
- Cleanliness standards for food surfaces and equipment
- Basic teamwork and communication in food service environments
Assessments
- Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge test
- Daily practical task evaluations (cleaning, prep, storage)
- Observation of hygiene practices in a kitchen setting
- Final checklist-based evaluation before completion
Requirements & Fees
For detailed fee information, please email our admissions team at info@purplecarrot.co.za
Who Should Apply
This course is perfect for:
- Job seekers entering the food or hospitality industry
- Kitchen assistants, cleaners, or food prep support
- Market vendors or small food business staff
- Anyone needing a basic but accredited food safety qualification
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Food Handler (entry-level)
- Catering Assistant
- Kitchen Cleaner or Prep Assistant
- Institutional Kitchen Support Staff
- Fast food or market kitchen prep
Feedback from Our Culinary Community
Its an authentic environment, with excellence and motivation for anyone who wants to become a chef, Great catering and the lodge is a great place to escape the buzz of the city
They put their heart and soul into the school. I only see growth.This is my favourite place in Potch. The students become outstanding chefs. Well done.
