Our Courses

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This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to equip you with both practical baking skills and essential business knowledge. By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently bake a variety of products while understanding the business side of running a bakery.

 Course Objectives:

At the end of this training, you will be able to:

• Master baking scones, muffins, cupcakes, and biscuits.
• Create a themed buttercream cake.
• Understand and apply key business management techniques, including financial management, customer service, branding, and costing.
• Implement business strategies that support growth and success in the baking industry.

Practical Baking Skills:

• Scones, Muffins & Cupcakes: Learn the techniques and recipes for light, fluffy baked goods that are perfect for any occasion.
• Biscuits: Master the art of baking soft, crumbly biscuits that are sure to impress.
• Themed Buttercream Cake: From cake design to decoration, you will learn how to bake and decorate a beautiful, themed buttercream cake and incorporating a range of decorative techniques.

Business Essentials:

• Business Management: Understand the ins and outs of managing a successful baking business.
• Financial Management: Learn budgeting, pricing, and managing costs to ensure profitability.
• Customer Service & Branding: Gain strategies for building and maintaining strong customer relationships while creating a memorable brand.
• Costing: Learn how to price your products effectively while maintaining profit margins.

• Course Dates: 
  • 17-21 March 2025 
  • 07-11 April 2025 
  • 12-16 May 2025
• Training Times: Daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Meals: Breakfast and tea breaks are provided during training.

• This course is open to all skill levels, including beginners.
• Prerequisites: You must be of legal age to participate.
• Maximum Class Size: 10 participants (minimum of 6 required for the course to run).

This course is perfect for:

• Anyone looking to enter the baking industry and start their own baking business.
• Aspiring bakers wanting to refine their skills and gain business knowledge.
• Those seeking professional retraining or wanting to pivot their career.

Private and corporate groups are also welcome to book this class and will receive a training report to support BBBEE scores and tax initiatives.

• Dress Code: Please wear comfortable cotton pants and a cotton top (avoid thick sweaters or clothing that may drop particles).
• A professional jacket will be provided for the duration of the training (please maintain it in good condition).
• For hygiene reasons, clean shoes are required. 
• You are welcome to bring your own lunch. We have a microwave and refrigerator available for use.
• You will take home everything you bake during the course!

• Pre-Training: A positioning questionnaire will be completed to assess your current skills.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Feedback will be provided daily by the trainer.
• Final Assessment: At the end of the course, you will take a multiple-choice test to evaluate your business knowledge.
• Certificate of Completion: A certificate specifying the successful completion of the course and achieved objectives will be awarded.

• Practical Learning: Hands-on experience in a dedicated workshop.
• Workstations: Each participant will have an individual workstation equipped with all necessary tools.
• Professional Support: You will receive demonstrations and hands-on assistance from the trainer throughout the course.
• Training Materials: A complete training manual with all recipes covered will be provided.

We are committed to providing an inclusive learning experience. If you have a disability, please contact Amanda, our Finance and Operations Manager, at 078 575 1443, so we can discuss and accommodate your needs.

• Registration Fee: R200 (Secures your space)
• Course Fee: R4000 (payable upon arrival)
• Classes fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your spot early!

For more information or to book your place, please contact The Office at 071 956 4470.

• 17-21 March 2025
• 07-11 April 2025
• 12-16 May 2025

Spaces are limited. Sign up today!  

Culinary Skills and Premier Program (Saturdays Only)

Next Intake: May 2025 & August 2025

This 10-week program is the perfect combination of advanced baking techniques and essential business skills, tailored for aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs. Designed for individuals with busy schedules, this course takes place only on Saturdays, making it ideal for those who are employed but wish to follow their passion for baking.

By the end of this course, you’ll possess both the culinary expertise to master intermediate-level baking and the entrepreneurial skills to successfully start and grow your own baking business.

At the end of this program, you will be able to:

• Master advanced baking techniques including pastries, cakes, tarts, and breads.
• Create high-end French baked goods and two-tier wedding cakes.
• Understand and apply business skills such as marketing, branding, sales assistance, and pitching.
• Learn entrepreneurial skills to manage and grow a baking business, including proposal writing and business planning.
• Prepare your baking business for success with knowledge on branding, marketing, and sales strategies.

Practical Baking Skills:

• Breads: Learn the techniques for baking a range of artisan breads, including fermented dough products.
• Scones & Muffins: Master the art of baking these delicious classics.
• Tarts & French Madeleines: Create stunning French-inspired baked goods.
• Desert Cakes & Themed Cakes: Learn to bake and decorate beautiful, creative cakes for all occasions.
• Wedding Cake: The course culminates with baking a two-tier wedding cake, incorporating all the skills learned throughout the program.

Business & Entrepreneurial Skills:

• Marketing & Branding: Learn how to create and promote your brand.
• Pitching & Customer Service : Develop the ability to pitch your ideas and products to clients or investors.
• Entrepreneurial Skills: Understand how to create a business plan, handle finances, and scale your business.
• Proposal Writing: Learn to write business proposals and secure funding or clients for your baking business.

• Duration: 10 Saturdays (3-month program)
• Class Times: Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: 12 Olivenhout Avenue, Northriding (Our Offices)

• Ideal for those employed with weekends off or anyone looking to turn their passion for baking into a business.
• This course is perfect for individuals with a larger vision for their business, especially those looking to start up and scale their baking operations.

• Total Course Fee: R9,500
• Registration Fee: R500
• Payment Structure: 
  • 50% deposit required to start the course.
  • 50% due before the end of the program.
• A learner textbook and recipe book are included in the fee.
• Chef Jackets are available for purchase at R700.
• Branded Apron included as part of your induction goodie bag.

• At the end of the course, you will attend a formal high tea graduation where you can invite family and friends to taste the creations you’ve made throughout the program.
• We offer amazing giveaways for well-dedicated students, including funding opportunities, equipment competitions, and much more.

This course can also be customized for corporates or private clients as a 10-day essentials course. Let us know if you're interested in tailoring the training to your team or specific needs.

• Practical Focus: This program offers a variety of hands-on practical sessions, from basic fermented dough to high-end French pastries and everything in between.
• Induction Goodies: Each participant will receive a branded apron to kickstart the course.
• Time Commitment: As this is an intensive course, the training takes place over 10 Saturdays, giving you the flexibility to balance work and learning.

• Evaluation: Practical assessments will be done during the course, and feedback will be provided at each session.
• Certification: A certificate of completion will be awarded at the graduation event, showcasing the skills and knowledge you have gained.

For more information, to register, or inquire about corporate/private bookings, please contact Info@siscosolutions.co.za / 071 956 4470

Start your journey today! Enroll now and take the next step in turning your passion for baking into a successful business!

Accredited by the QCTO | 12-Month Program | Available as Learnership or Public Course

This newly created and QCTO-accredited qualification is designed for individuals who wish to operate as Baking and Confectionery Operators. The program combines theory, practical training, and workplace experience to provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the baking and confectionery industry.

By completing this qualification, learners will gain comprehensive expertise in baking processes, confectionery production, and the operation of related equipment, while learning to perform tasks to produce high-quality products in a bakery setting.

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners to:

• Operate baking and confectionery equipment.
• Produce a variety of products by adjusting, maintaining, and overseeing bakery operations.
• Apply industry standards for quality and hygiene while managing production processes effectively.

Upon successful completion, learners will have the capability to work as Baking and Confectionery Operators, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

• Duration: 12 months
• Credits: 123 credits
• Program Type: Available as a Learnership program or as a Public Course
• Workplace Experience: A key component of the qualification is the workplace experience, where learners will be placed in an industry setting to gain practical, real-world experience. This is mandatory for the completion of the qualification.

The qualification covers various modules, which can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Baking Processes & Equipment:
    
   • Operating bakery equipment.
   • Baking and cooking methods.
   • Ingredient handling and preparation.

1. Confectionery Production:
    
   • Preparing and producing confectionery items.
   • Techniques for creating pastries, cakes, tarts, and other confectionery products.
   • Understanding different confectionery types and their applications.

1. Product Quality Control & Maintenance:
    
   • Adjusting and overseeing bakery equipment.
   • Ensuring product quality and consistency.
   • Maintaining hygienic and safe baking environments.

1. Health & Safety:
    
   • Food safety regulations and procedures.
   • Managing the cleanliness and organization of the bakery.
   • Safety procedures in handling kitchen equipment.

1. Business & Production Management:
    
   • Managing bakery operations, scheduling, and workflow.
   • Cost control and inventory management.
   • Customer service in a bakery setting.

A vital component of the qualification is the workplace experience. Learners will be placed in an industry training environment where they will gain practical exposure to real-world bakery operations. This provides them with the essential hands-on experience required to enhance their understanding of the industry and to develop practical skills in managing a bakery environment.

This qualification is fully accredited by the QCTO, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and relevance within the baking and confectionery sector. Upon completion, learners will be awarded a full qualification, certifying their competency in all aspects of baking and confectionery operations.

This accredited qualification is not only valuable for individuals wishing to work in the industry but is also an excellent opportunity for corporate social investment and companies looking to invest in learnerships as part of their BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) strategies.

Key Benefits for Corporates:

• BBEE Scores: The program is ideal for corporates wishing to improve their BBBEE score through investment in accredited training and development.
• Tax Incentives & Grant Funding: Corporates investing in this qualification can benefit from available tax incentives and may qualify for grant funding.
• Workplace Skills Development: Enhance the skills and capabilities of your workforce while contributing to skills development in South Africa.

• Aspiring bakers seeking to formalize and deepen their knowledge and skills in baking and confectionery.
• Corporates looking to offer learnerships and contribute to the development of skilled professionals in the baking and food industry.
• Individuals aiming to pursue a professional career in baking with a full, nationally recognized qualification.
• Corporate social responsibility programs that are interested in investing in employees' growth through accredited learnerships.

• Workplace Experience: Companies can support the development of skilled workers by offering workplace experience as part of the learnership, contributing to their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• BBBEE Impact: Investing in this program supports skills development targets under BBBEE, which can positively impact your company’s BBBEE scorecard.
• Tax Benefits: By offering accredited training opportunities, your company may qualify for tax deductions or incentives, contributing to financial savings while benefiting the workforce.

• Duration: The course spans 12 months, ensuring comprehensive learning and experience.
• Learning Mode: This program can be delivered in two formats: 
  • Learnership Program: Ideal for learners who are employed and looking to gain accredited qualifications while working.
  • Public Course: Open to individuals who wish to gain the qualification through structured classroom-based learning with mandatory workplace experience.

This qualification stands out due to its accredited status, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and workplace experience. The program is particularly valuable for individuals and organizations looking to upskill in the highly competitive and growing baking industry. It is also ideal for companies seeking to meet BBBEE requirements while supporting workplace skills development.

For more information on how to enroll, or to learn more about offering this qualification through learnerships or as part of your corporate training initiatives, please contact us at 071 956 4470/ info@siscosolutions.co.za

Start your journey toward becoming a certified Baking and Confectionery Operator today and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to advance in the industry!