The Best Culinary Academy to Start Your Career

Finding the Best Culinary Academy to Start Your Career

Once you have made the big decision to follow your dream of becoming a professional chef, it is time to find a reputable culinary academy. Deciding where to study is an important choice that should not be taken lightly. In fact, the culinary academy you select will form the foundation of your career. If you choose a reputable institute like Prue Leith Culinary Institute, you’ll begin to build your network from the moment that you set foot in your learning placement at one of our professional partners.

Before enrolling in chef school and obtaining a culinary arts diploma, consider the following factors:

• Check the approach to learning: The first thing you need to consider is the learning approach at your chosen academy. Is your course online? If so, you won’t get real-world practical experience in a working kitchen or the chance to use equipment first-hand. While online learning has many merits, practical experience is essential for those wishing to become professional chefs. You want to find an academy that favours an integrated learning approach. This means that you will learn both on campus and off campus at professional kitchens, hotels, guest houses, and conference centres. At Prue Leith Culinary Institute, we believe that students should glean real-world experience in a running kitchen. Not only does this equip you with skills to succeed in the culinary world, but it also builds your professional network from the get-go.
• An onsite restaurant: An onsite restaurant is a good indicator that your culinary academy of choice is reputable. Onsite restaurants showcase their proficiency in running a professional kitchen. Moreover, this asset will give students the experience and confidence to work in a fast-paced hospitality environment. 
• The quality of the facilities: Next, you need to think about the quality of the facilities on offer. Has the kitchen recently been upgraded, and are they utilising modern technology? Prospective chefs need to gain experience with the latest kitchen equipment to ensure that they are fully trained on how to operate it. Our state-of-the-art kitchen received a R10.5 million cash injection and was upgraded with premium equipment and appliances. The kitchen is fitted with the best culinary technology, including induction hobs, Thermomix, sous vide baths, KitchenAid mixers, and blast chillers for optimum cooking results.

Explore the Dynamic Options at Our Culinary Academy

Prue Leith Culinary Institute ticks all the above boxes and more. If you’re searching for culinary schools in Pretoria, then your search is over. With several accredited full-time, part-time, and short course offerings available, we have a host of options and opportunities for prospective alumni.

Book an appointment to attend one of our open days and meet the instructors and professionals who will introduce you to the artful world of cuisine. Whether you want to obtain a full-time, three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef qualification with international accreditation or a part-time qualification, there are several options to explore. Get in touch with our expert team for more information, and begin your culinary career today.