Professional Chef Plus Pastry
Professional Chef and Pastry Course in Umhlanga
FULL OR PART TIME: Monday to Friday
Programme Length: 2 Year Course
NEXT INTAKE: 5 JANUARY 2027
The Professional Chef and Pastry course is available full time or part time and provides 2 years of formal training in professional cookery and patisserie. Students develop practical kitchen skills, advanced culinary knowledge and professional pastry techniques while receiving individual guidance throughout their training.
The programme also includes Entrepreneurship and Brand Development, covering the fundamentals of building a brand and developing a culinary business.
“My recipes show different parts of my life and who I am as a person.”
~ Chef Siba Mtongana
Entry Requirements
Students must have a Grade 11 certificate with Math Literacy and English as subjects.
Must have a valid South African ID book or card and be 16 years or older.
International students must have a valid passport and pending study permit.
What You WIll Study
Food safety, workplace health and environmental responsibility
Pastry kitchen equipment, culinary measurements, knife skills and professional standards
Nutrition, food allergies and specialised diets
Breads, doughs, pastries, biscuits, cakes and sponges
Hot and cold desserts, sugar work and chocolate work
Cold food preparation and presentation
Customer service and professional development
Entrepreneurship and brand development
More Than Chef Training
This course also includes additional training in barista techniques, brewing and wine. These practical add-ons broaden your knowledge beyond the kitchen and help you develop a more versatile understanding of the hospitality industry.
Barista Techniques
Learn the fundamentals of coffee preparation, including espresso extraction, milk texturing and preparing popular café-style drinks.
Introduction to Beer Brewing
Explore the basic ingredients, processes and practical techniques used in beer brewing.
Introduction to Wine and Sommelier Skills
Develop an understanding of wine styles, tasting, food pairing and the principles of professional wine service.
What's Included
Text Books
Full Uniform
All Ingredients and Equipment for Practicals
Highfield Registration Fees
18 Piece Professional Knife Kit
Portfolio of Evidence
Industry Placement
Qualifications on Completion
Highfield Level 4 Diploma in Culinary Supervision and Management
Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Professional Chefs
Highfield Level 3 Diploma in Patisserie, Confectionery and Bakery
Highfield Level 2 Award in Health & Safety
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering
Caraway Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Introductory Courses in Barista Techniques, Beer Brewing and Wine
WHAT'S NEXT?
Career Pathways
NEED INFO HERE - not necessarily a list but an intro - maybe something about how the placement works
Interested? Contact us today!
Contact us for more information, answers to your questions, a campus tour or help with enrolment, and take the first step towards your culinary career.