What can you expect from a professional culinary course?
Watch highlights from Graduation 2026 at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal. Chef Jackie and the graduates reflect on their culinary training, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to the next chapter in professional kitchens. / She Saw Productions
Making a career decision can be stressful. For this reason, we’ll help you navigate your way through what to expect if you are an aspiring chef considering enrolling at the locally and internationally recognised Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
A culinary school in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Your first impression will be the school’s location. The imposing campus in a leafy suburb offers views of Pietermaritzburg, and it is within easy commuting distance of shopping amenities; the Midlands Meander; the Drakensberg Mountains, home to numerous luxury holiday resorts; Midmar Dam; Pietermaritzburg and Howick.
Learning from Chef Jackie Cameron
You’ll meet Chef Jackie Cameron and you’ll be charmed by her personable, perceptive, no-nonsense personality and her delightful sense of humour. She leaves no stone unturned as she prepares students for the culinary arts. She will explain that the correct attitude together with confidence, not arrogance, is key. It’s important to her that the school’s students stay in the industry, and she’ll emphasise that there are many facets to the world of food.
Professional kitchens and campus facilities
In the school you’ll find the best equipment from France and Italy; lecture rooms with all the necessary appliances to facilitate the training of students; a fully functional demonstration kitchen area giving students the opportunity to interact with patrons; a Defy state-of-the-art pastry kitchen with granite tops – and it’s fully air conditioned. There is an additional kitchen for students to practise in their own space; a wine cellar; a herb and vegetable garden; and student accommodation.
Practical skills for a professional kitchen
Students work directly alongside Chef Jackie every day. The curriculum for the 18-month Culinary Arts Diploma equips students with cooking, safety, and hygiene skills so they can enter the industry with confidence. It also includes a cake-icing course with an award-winning cake icier; as well as artisanal bread making; and catering for community fairs and festivals – and emphasises industry-ready skills such as costing, menu planning, and wine education.
Wine education and the Cape Winelands
Wine forms an integral part of the course, so you’ll meet some of the country’s top winemakers and a tour to the Cape Winelands is included in the course. The school’s internationally recognised wine course will take you to WSET Level 2 qualification.
Healthy habits and family meals
Chef Jackie encourages a healthy lifestyle so, to ensure students understand the importance of balanced meals, preparing and cooking a ‘family meal’ each week is included in the course.
Small classes and industry placement
There is a limit of 15 students on the 18-month course – as well as on the three-year diploma course that the school offers. Both options are highly regarded in the industry for their practical, high-pressure, and professional approach. For this reason, students are guaranteed job placements in the industry.
“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.”
Considering a professional culinary course? Discuss your options at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine located?
The school is in Hilton, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, with views of Pietermaritzburg and access to the surrounding Midlands region.
Will I work directly with Chef Jackie Cameron?
Yes. Students work directly alongside Chef Jackie every day, developing practical skills, confidence and a professional attitude.
What will I learn on the 18-month culinary course?
The curriculum includes cooking, safety and hygiene, cake icing, artisanal bread making, catering for community fairs and festivals, costing, menu planning and wine education.
Is wine education included in the culinary course?
Yes. Wine education forms an integral part of the course, including exposure to winemakers, a Cape Winelands tour and study towards a WSET Level 2 qualification.
How many students are on each culinary course?
There is a limit of 15 students on the 18-month course and on the three-year diploma course.