Choosing a chef school in Pretoria might seem like a challenging task, but with the tips shared below, you can make a better-informed decision.
Accreditation
The first factor to consider is the accreditation of the culinary institution. You want to make sure that they are accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This ensures that your qualification will be recognised by employers and other institutions in the country. Also, check that they offer courses accredited by industry guilds and associations to ensure your qualification will be recognised internationally.
Practical Experience and Theory
The next thing to consider is what kind of experience you want. Do you want to gain practical experience or attend lectures? Practical training will give you hands-on work experience and will teach you how to cook in different environments, such as events catering, restaurants, or hotels. Lectures equip you with theoretical knowledge about cooking and food preparation.
You should choose a chef school that offers you the opportunity to gain a solid theoretical foundation, presented by qualified and experienced lecturers who are well-known in the industry. Also, practical experience ensures you will be able to walk into a professional work environment and be able to manage the tasks at hand. Practical experience is essential for your CV to give you a competitive edge when entering the culinary industry.
Make sure the ratio of practical training to theory is at minimum 50/50 and optimally 70/30. The chef school should offer you on-campus practical training in state-of-the-art kitchens to prepare you for work in similar environments. In addition, you should get the opportunity to work alongside experienced chefs in restaurants, hotels, and lodges to expose you to real-life scenarios.
Facilities
Enquire about the on-campus facilities and the location of the institution. It should be centrally located and offer you a pleasant, neat, and safe learning environment with the equipment and technology currently available in professional kitchens.
Entry Requirements
Choose an institution that’s not focused on your school subject choices. You may not have taken tourism or culinary-related courses during your early learning years, but this should not mean that you cannot study at a top-rated chef school in Pretoria.
See the CHS Frequently Asked Questions section for more information on entry requirements.
Courses and Subjects
Finally, and importantly, choose a training establishment that offers courses relevant to your career aspirations. They should provide you with the opportunity to, for example, study towards a professional chef qualification, professional cook qualification or become a pastry chef.
Which Chef School Fits the Profile?
CHS Hotel School in Pretoria matches every requirement, and more. Visit our “Why Us” section to learn why we are a top-rated chef school in the country or reach out to us for more information.