Why enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?

Alumni spotlight: Kamokhele Mokhele, from Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine to the Marble Group pastry team with Megan Meikle, via Artistry and placements at Arkeste, Reuben’s, and Let’s Frite, on craft, guests’ reactions, and the life-changing impact of a KOO/Tiger Brands bursary.

Quick answer: Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine is a nationally and internationally recognised culinary school offering an 18-month, industry-connected programme, led by Chef Jackie Cameron and expert instructors, set in Hilton, KZN Midlands, with state-of-the-art kitchens, hands-on events, a sustainability focus, and guaranteed job placements for graduates.

Learn from industry leaders

Chef Jackie Cameron teaches personally and invites specialists, including Pam Alty, Terbodore, Green Fish, and Graham Taute, to deliver focused training in cake icing, barista skills, fish preparation, and artisanal bread making. The wine course is internationally recognised, and an annual tour to the Cape is included.

Train in state-of-the-art facilities

Work in cutting-edge kitchens using modern culinary tools and advanced equipment. The school’s partnerships include Defy, Elba, Weber, and Culinary Equipment Company.

A comprehensive 18-month curriculum

Master classic techniques and modern gastronomy in a well-rounded programme. You’ll also complete First Aid, firefighting and fire protection, and food safety and hygiene.

Strong industry connections & job placement

With deep ties to top restaurants, caterers, and food-industry leaders, students gain valuable networks, backed by guaranteed job placements for graduates.

Real-world, hands-on experience

Students participate in fine-dining occasions, corporate functions, off-site wedding catering, student-graduation functions, food-and-wine pairing events, and major festivals such as the Hilton Arts Festival and Arts in the Country Festival.

Committed to sustainability

The school emphasises eco-friendly cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and ethical practices. Preferred suppliers include Champagne Valley Stonemill, Midlands Eggs, Oryx Desert Salt, and The Gourmet Greek.

An inspiring location

Situated in Hilton in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, about an hour from Durban and five hours from Johannesburg, the school sits where art and craft flourish, rivers meander, and mountains inspire. Students, mentors, and alumni support one another in this close-knit community.

From Chef Jackie CAMERON

My undertaking is to prepare students for the culinary arts. The correct attitude, supported by confidence, not arrogance, is hugely important to me. I want to see the school’s students staying in the industry, remembering there are many facets to the world of food. Leading by example, striving to be better every day, wanting to impress and being competitive is what gets one ahead.
— Chef Jackie Cameron

At-a-glance highlights

  • 18-month, nationally and internationally recognised programme

  • Personal instruction by Chef Jackie Cameron and expert guest tutors

  • Internationally recognised wine course and annual Cape tour included

  • State-of-the-art kitchens; partners include Defy, Elba, Weber, Culinary Equipment Company

  • First Aid, firefighting and fire protection, food safety and hygiene included

  • Extensive real-world events and festival experience

  • Sustainability focus with trusted local suppliers

  • Strong industry network and guaranteed job placements

  • Inspirational Hilton, KZN Midlands setting

FAQs

  • How long is the programme?

    18 months, covering classic techniques and modern gastronomy, plus First Aid, firefighting and fire protection, and food safety and hygiene.

  • Who teaches at the school?

    Chef Jackie Cameron teaches personally and invites professionals such as Pam Alty, Terbodore, Green Fish, and Graham Taute for specialised training.

  • What facilities and equipment are available?

    Cutting-edge kitchens with modern tools; partners include Defy, Elba, Weber, and Culinary Equipment Company.

  • Is there real-world experience?

    Yes, fine-dining events, corporate functions, wedding catering, student-graduation functions, food-and-wine pairings, and participation in major festivals.

  • Do graduates receive job placements?

    Yes. The school’s industry connections provide guaranteed job placements for graduates.

  • Where is the school located?

    Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, about an hour from Durban and five hours from Johannesburg.

  • Does the programme include wine studies?

    Yes. The wine course is internationally recognised and includes an annual tour to the Cape.

Choices are the hinges of destiny.
— Edwin Markham

Ready to Start Your Culinary Journey?

If you’re passionate about food and committed to excellence, join one of South Africa’s most respected culinary schools.

Email jackie@jackiecameron.co.za today to learn more about our chef course fees and enrolment process.


Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in South Africa is dedicated to training the next generation of chefs who are a cut above the rest.