From Basics to Artisan: Baking Schools for Every Skill Level
So, your banana bread has a cult following, your brownies spark family feuds, and people are starting to “joke” that you should open a bakery. Well, CTIA’s baking schools are designed for every level of ambition (and appetite), whether you’re looking to turn your sugar obsession into a side hustle or become the next big name in fine patisserie.
We’re here to help you build something real. A business. A career. A future filled with flaky pastry and income. Read on for a closer look at the pastry courses on offer at our top-tier baking school in South Africa.
For the Side-Hustlers and Self-Starters
If you’re constantly baking “just for fun” but secretly dream of charging premium prices for your pies, our “How To” Baking Series is calling your name. This 9-week part-time course is perfect for beginners who want to fast-track their skills with serious flair.
You’ll learn:
- Baking and cake decorating classes with next-level techniques to make Pinteresters weep
- How to master macaron madness (both Italian and French methods)
- Choux pastry magic: éclairs, Paris-Brest, and more
- The secrets behind flaky puff pastries, artisan breads, plated desserts… the works
And because this is 2025, we also teach food photography, so your creations don’t just taste amazing… they look it, too.
This short pastry course is ideal if:
- You want to launch a home-based baking business
- You’ve got limited time but unlimited passion
- You need practical skills without committing full-time
For Those Who Want the Whole Cake (and Career)
Craving something bigger than buttercream? Our full-time Pastry Programme is built for aspiring professionals who want an accredited qualification and guaranteed job placement at the end of it.
Expect professional training endorsed by Highfield & the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) – two institutions employers care about.
You’ll cover:
- Cold food prep & kitchen professionalism
- Doughs, pastries, biscuits & cakes from scratch
- Hot/cold desserts, plus advanced sugar and chocolate work
- Culinary maths (!) because scaling recipes matters more than you’d think
And thanks to our partnerships with over 350 industry partners across South Africa (and beyond), you won’t just graduate… you’ll leave our baking school employed.
Prefer Pyjamas Over Chef Whites?
No judgement here! Our online baking courses let you learn from anywhere at your own pace while still earning serious credentials. Perfect if you’re juggling work or family commitments but still dreaming of turning flour into fortune.
Great bakers aren’t born; they’re trained (preferably by us). So, whether you’re levelling up from weekend warrior status or going all-in on a culinary career, we’ve got the recipe for success.