Cooking Academy & Part-time Courses

The Quintessential Part-time Courses Our Cooking Academy Offers

Here at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute, we take our commitment to each student seriously. It is our desire to equip anyone who enrols with us with the valuable skills, theory, and practical experience it takes to make a success of their career endeavours. Not only does our academy offer sterling, innovative full-time courses, but part-time and short courses too that will take you from being a cooking genius to become a master chef. This is ideal for anyone who is currently already working in the industry or gaining practical experience and wants to receive training on a part-time basis. Whether you are just looking for a refresher programme to refine your skills in the kitchen, or if you are new to the craft entirely, we have a few training options available for you.

Certificate in Sugar Craft

Cake decorating and sugarcraft are skills that can transform the way you present cakes, desserts, and pastries. In this 11-week course, you will learn cake design, piping techniques, and advanced decorating skills. 11 morning sessions from 09:00 to 13:00 will help with anyone seeking to start up a new business or hone their skills as a pastry chef.

Foundation of Cooking

If you are already a chef in the industry seeking a formal qualification, then this course is ideally suited to you. It is also a fantastic option for anyone who wishes to change their career but does not have the time or finances to study full-time. The Foundation of Cooking programme runs for 18 months with classes on Saturdays from 09h00 to 17h00 at our academy. In this course, you will learn about the ABCs of professional cookery, including the theory of food production, cooking methods and techniques, and personal development as a cook. The programme also includes a first aid and fire safety course, WSET Level 1 Wine Course, and students will be able to assist with kitchen activities in the Prue Leith Restaurant.

Professional Patisserie

Unlike our full-time course of the same name, our part-time Professional Patisserie programme takes place on Saturdays from 9h00 to 17h00 at our academy. During these hours, students will also schedule a minimum of 15 practical work shifts in the Prue Leith Restaurant. The theory and practice of preparing dishes such as breads, pastries, cakes, custards and sauces, tarts, biscuits, meringue and sugar, and even basic chocolate are all included in this course.

Our Available Short Courses

For anyone looking for shorter courses, our academy offers them regularly and allows for your choice in a wide range of topics. Learn about cake decorating, mastering the art of braaiing, and the basics of baking in one-day, two-day, and five-day courses. With so little time, our short programmes pack a punch and offer engaging, useful training for professional chefs and novice home cooks alike.

Why waste time at a cooking academy that won’t get you where you need to be? With us, you are guaranteed top-tier training that will not only open up doors but give you the confidence needed to work in this fast-paced and dynamic industry. To find out more about enrolling with us, contact us today.