People sometimes mistakenly think that pastry chef courses don’t prepare students to become fully qualified chefs. The truth is, all chefs complete the same, but now you’re given the opportunity to specialise in patisserie. To clarify what it is about, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about careers in patisserie, the courses, and related matters.
What qualification do you receive upon completing of the full-time Professional Pastry Chef course at CHS?
You receive the Professional Pastry Chef Qualification, with specialisation in Pastry that consists of the following qualifications:
- QCTO National Qualification comprises the Occupational Certificate: Chef (SAQA ID 101697 – NQF Level 5) and the Occupational Trade Test Certificate: Chef (SAQA ID 101697 – NQF Level 5).
- CATHSSETA Qualification comprises the National Certificate in Patisserie (SAQA ID 73292 – NQF Level 5) and the Certificate in Events Support Assistant: Operations (EVM/EVSUPASSOP/4/0002).
- City & Guilds International Qualifications comprise the Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking and Culinary Arts (8064-01), the Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking and Culinary Arts – Patisserie (8064-02), as well as the Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts and Supervision (8064-06).
- International Wine Course – WSET Award in Wines Level 1
- Basic Word and Excel Computer Competency
- Basic Fire Fighting Course Level 1
- Basic First Aid Course Level 1
Your qualification is nationally and internationally recognised, enabling you to carry the title with pride. You will have the chance to qualify to complete the Trade Test as well. Fortunately, CHS is a registered trade test centre, which means you will be able to do so at our campus. Read more about the Professional Chef Qualification Specialisation Pastry and Trade Test.
Where do you gain workplace experience with these courses?
As with all our full-time culinary arts courses, you will receive on-campus practical training at our state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll get to apply your knowledge in several workplace situations throughout the course duration. This can be at the selected events, restaurants, lodges, and hotels with which we have arrangements. This workplace experience is gained throughout the course period, ensuring you get ample opportunity to apply your knowledge, reinforce your skills, and be part of real-life work situations.
What are the career prospects upon completion of pastry chef courses?
You can work in a bakery, hotel, restaurant, or lodge environment. You can also secure employment on a cruise ship or as a member of a private hospital kitchen team. In addition, you can work in the retail food research division of a supermarket group, in a food-and-beverage manufacturing setup, or open your own specialist dessert, coffee or pastry business. You may also opt to join a catering company team for overseeing and preparing mouth-watering desserts and pastries.
Pastry chefs have the advantage of being qualified as conventional chefs and specialist pastry masters, which broaden their career prospects.
With a high employment rate upon completion of one of our pastry chef courses, you can savour a sweet future ahead. Read our FAQ section for more answers to your most pertinent questions, and apply here to secure your place in studying for a qualification in patisserie at one of the most esteemed hotel schools in Pretoria.