What is the 12 week Professional Training Program?

Our award winning professional training program was created for individuals looking to transition careers, self-taught bakers seeking a structured education without the time and financial burden of pastry school, and those whose work schedules prevent them from attending traditional programs. Over the years, this program has flourished into an inspiring, collaborative educational experience that we're proud to offer our community.

Classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 PM. The first eight weeks focus on hands-on, technique-driven instruction, with students working in pairs at their stations. Weeks 9 through 11 offer extended kitchen hours for students to prepare for the Student Showcase, providing the opportunity to revisit key concepts or explore new topics in a practical setting. The final week culminates in a debrief and a friendly competition.

By the end of the program, students will feel confident in their ability to:

- Master any recipe, including adapting and creating their own.
- Navigate a commercial kitchen with proper etiquette, sanitation, and hygiene protocols.
- Adjust baking techniques to suit different environments, seasons, and equipment.
- Apply for positions in the baking and pastry field.
- Continue self-study and improvement, both in baking and decorating.

Topics covered (but not limited to):

- Recipe Development
- Understanding Flavor & Texture
- Breads
- Cookies & Cookie Decorating
- Cakes & Cake Decorating
- Laminated Dough Pastries
- Assorted French Pastries
- Savory Baking
- Production Baking
- Streamlining Production

At the start of each session, we meet individually with students to discuss their goals for the program. While we have a planned outline, we emphasize the areas that interest the group most. For example, if students are especially eager to explore cake

Who should register?

Our ideal students share a passion for baking, a desire to explore new skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. We welcome a diverse group: those seeking creative fulfillment outside their full-time roles, lifelong learners eager to deepen their understanding of baking and pastry arts, career changers, and aspiring business owners.

This nontraditional educational space appeals to a unique type of learner. While it doesn’t grant a formal diploma, it removes the restrictions often tied to accredited programs, allowing for a more tailored, impactful experience. Without the goal of a degree or certificate, students invest in themselves, gaining as much as they are willing to put into the journey.

Student Showcase

At the end of each session, students participate in the Student Showcase, an event that highlights their dedication and skills in a real-world setting, similar to a market or pop-up. This showcase provides a valuable opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and to share their achievements with friends and family. Additionally, each showcase serves as a fundraiser supporting a different 501(c)(3) organization, and to date, we have raised over $10,000 for causes including Time Out Youth, Cakeable, Foster Village, and Western NC Hurricane Relief.

Rates & Pay as you go Model

We aim to make quality education as accessible as possible. Recognizing that most of our students balance full-time jobs and family commitments, we offer a flexible pay-as-you-go model and are happy to work with students individually to create a plan that fits their needs. Payment is structured as follows: 50% of the balance is due at the program’s start, 75% by the midpoint, and the full balance by the end.

The program fee is $3,000, covering all uniform essentials, including a personalized chef coat and a long bistro apron, and a toolkit provided upon completion. The registration fee on our website serves as your deposit and is nonrefundable.

Dates

Fall 2025 Semester: August 12th - October 29th, 2025

Fall 2025 Student Showcase : October 22, 2025

Classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with students welcome to arrive at 5:30 to assist with class setup. Additional open kitchen sessions are scheduled during showcase preparation, offering optional attendance for extra practice.