Top-tier Chefs’ Academy

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Our Top-tier Chefs’ Academy

Few culinary schools in South Africa hold the strong reputation and renown that we do here at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute. In fact, being widely recognised as the top culinary school in the country, we place special emphasis on going above and beyond for our students, far exceeding their expectations when it comes to the quality of our courses.

If you are seeking a chefs’ academy, then there are certainly quite a few from which to choose. None, however, retain the excellent prominence our institution has enjoyed for close on 20 years. As a local institution continually at the forefront of culinary training, prospective students often have numerous questions for us, some of which we explore below.

1. What Sets the Prue Leith Culinary Institute Apart?

Our chefs’ academy has already invested R10,5 million into new kitchen and lecturing facilities. Not only do we have a training kitchen, but a specialised patisserie kitchen, a restaurant kitchen, lecture rooms, and a multi-media student library, too. This means that all our students have access to world-class facilities from their first year, along with state-of-the-art appliances and working stations to aid them in their lessons.

2. What Kind of Courses Are Currently Offered?

Whether you want to become a Chef de Cuisine one day or simply refine your current skill set, our chefs’ academy has a wide range of courses from which to choose. We have full-time courses ideal for students seeking a certification that will open up endless career opportunities. We also have part-time courses for students already working who wish to study towards their dreams on the side. Lastly, our short courses are available for anyone – from professional to amateur – who wishes to upskill themselves in the kitchen.

3. What Accreditations Are Available?

We have aligned ourselves with accrediting partners who strive to uphold the same high standards as we do when it comes to culinary training in the country. These partnerships include the following companies:

• City & Guilds
• South African Chefs Association
• The Department for Higher Education and Training
• The Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)
• The Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO)

We are also a registered trade test centre.

4. What Skills Will I Learn?

Within our courses, we aim to provide students with a strong foundation in the basics of classic and modern food preparation. We also, however, place emphasis on other lifelong skills such as leadership, resource management, working well within a team, food and workplace safety, and advanced gastronomy. This means you will walk away with a qualification that offers so much more than just the ability to cook – you will step into any career confident, competent, and geared towards excellence.

5. Will I Receive Practical Training Too?

At our chefs’ academy, we believe that practical work is essential for students, and therefore many of our courses include practical training at our very own, on-site Prue Leith Restaurant. We also have practical training partners that include establishments such as hotels and catering venues.

For superb training at a chefs’ academy that is sure to open up a world of future opportunities, contact us today to start a conversation that could be life changing.