- Call: 012 654 5203
- Email: info@prueleith.co.za
- Online Application Form
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Course Overview
Course Overview
The Prue Leith Culinary Institute is very proud to offer a joint programme in partnership with Italy’s premier culinary training institution, ALMA – La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana, in Colorno (Parma, Italy).
In July 2011, Prue Leith and ALMA embarked on this joint programme, a collaboration unlike any previously seen in the South African culinary industry. ALMA has recognised the Prue Leith Culinary Institute as the benchmark culinary school in Southern Africa, selecting it as part of its international network of renowned culinary partner schools.
The programme offers enthusiastic and aspiring South African chef students the opportunity to train both locally and abroad.
Qualified chefs wishing to specialise in Italian cuisine may also apply and will complete only the Italian component of the programme, together with the introductory subjects at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute.
This international collaboration offers seven months of full-time study and practical training in Italy, together with 12 months of City & Guilds-accredited foundational training in South Africa.
Duration
- 19 Months (Full-Time)
- 12 Months in South Africa | 7 Months in Italy
Enrolment
Requirements
- Matric / Grade 12 qualification or equivalent.
- An inextinguishable passion for food, the ability to work hard, and an eye for detail.
Course Cost 2027
- R158 375 – First Year: Introduction to Professional Cookery
- R35 280 – Italian Language, Culture & Course Preparation
- €15 300 – ALMA Tuition Fees
- €2 550 – Accommodation in Colorno, Italy
- €500 – Accommodation Deposit
- €100 – Permit of Stay Assistance
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Course Subjects
First Year
First Semester
- Introduction to the hospitality industry
- A brief history of food and cooking
- Numeracy, weighing, scaling and recipe costing
- Computer literacy
- Personal hygiene and safety
- Food safety and quality assurance
- Workplace safety
- Ingredient and stock control in the professional kitchen
- Introduction to equipment and preparation techniques
- Planning for food production
- Environmental awareness
- Environmental sustainability
- Principles of flavour and the essence of ingredients
- Herbs, spices and other flavourings
- The scientific principles of cooking
- Cooking methods and techniques
- Basic ingredients
- Introduction to Garde Manger
- Introduction to Patisserie
- Beverages
- Restaurant Service
- Personal development of a chef
- Fire and First Aid Level 1
- WSET Level 1 Award in Wine
Exam: Internal Theory & Practical Exam
Second Semester
6 Months PracticalPractical Experience in the Prue Leith Restaurant, the Institute’s on-site fine dining restaurant. Students will be compiling a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) during this semester.
Italian Introduction
- Introductory modules in Italian culture and food culture take place at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute during the second semester.
- 30 hours of Italian language classes taught by the Italian Institute of Culture.
ALMA Italy
Full-time training in Italy at ALMA for two months
- Cooking practice and recipes: demonstration and hands-on sessions.
- Pastry and Bakery practice and recipes: demonstration and hands-on sessions.
- Guest chef lectures: Meet the greatest chefs of Italian Cuisine.
- Cooking techniques and practice.
- Food studies and Italian culture.
- Wines of Italy.
- Nutrition and HACCP.
- Italian Experience: language and territory.
STAGE
Practical Internship in Italy
Three-month stage: Students are placed at top establishments throughout Italy to gain practical Experience in the work environment. Students will be working the hours required by the operation and are provided with accommodation as well as meals, but are not paid during this period.
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Qualifications & Examinations
Qualifications & Examinations
Tests can be expected throughout the course in all subjects, and final exams will take place in Italy. Successful candidates will achieve:
- Professional Diploma “Cook of Italian Cuisine – Advanced Level”.
- Certificate of Professional Qualification of “Operatore alla Produzione Pasti – Level EQF 4”.
- City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Preparing for a Career in Hospitality (7107-12).
- WSET Level 1 Award in Wine.
- First Aid and Fire (Level 1).
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Course Times
Course Times
- Course times will change according to the semesters, but students should expect to work shifts and evenings, as well as Saturdays, starting in their first year.
- When placed on practical in industry, students will be expected to work the hours of the establishment that they are placed at, including public holidays and weekends.
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Visas & Work Permits
Visa & Work Permits
- Students wishing to enrol for the joint program must have a valid passport.
- Visa arrangements are facilitated by Prue Leith with ALMA’s assistance.
- Issuing of visas is at the discretion of the relevant Italian consular office.
- Passports must be delivered 75 days in advance of arrival in Italy.
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Request Course Information
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