Chefs Training and Innovation Academy

What Chefs Training and Innovation Academy does

Chefs Training and Innovation Academy (CTIA) is a South African private for-profit culinary training institution founded in 2009 and headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng. The company delivers accredited culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management education through four physical campuses (Centurion, Durban, Stellenbosch, and Mbombela) plus a dedicated online campus, serving school leavers, career changers, working hospitality professionals, and hobbyist food enthusiasts. Programmes range from short SPICE courses (nine weeks) to full 30-month combined credentials, with durations spanning 6 to 36 months and tuition starting from R24,000 for online programmes plus a non-refundable R1,000 application fee.

CTIA's core technology stack is a hybrid learning model combining Moodle for asynchronous theory delivery (video lessons, assignments, activities), Microsoft Teams for live interactive instructor sessions, and mandatory in-person practical assessments at physical campuses, with students documenting hands-on work via photo and video evidence. The product portfolio spans 13+ distinct programmes including full-time culinary arts and pastry tracks, online introductory through advanced diplomas, combined culinary + pastry programmes, part-time evening blended offerings, RPL pathways, and CTH-accredited hospitality and tourism management. Curriculum is delivered by 28-31 industry-experienced chef lecturers and leads to dual qualifications accredited by QCTO/CATHSSETA nationally and City & Guilds/Highfield internationally, with the institution also holding Trade Test Centre status.

The business model is predominantly B2C tuition-driven revenue across one-time programme fees and recurring enrolment cohorts with February and July intake cycles, supplemented by application fees, starter kit sales, and student finance intermediation (Student Hero). Distribution is fully direct via CTIA's website, campus walk-ins, open days, school expos, billboard advertising, and organic social channels. CTIA markets a 100% graduate employment guarantee backed by a 400+ hospitality industry partner network and has been awarded Africa's Best Culinary Training Institute by the World Culinary Awards, with additional exclusive international progression pathways through partnerships with BHMS Switzerland (Bachelor's degree top-up) and InternAfrika (paid France internships). The institution has no disclosed external institutional investment or PE backing and is led by Managing Director Louise Oldham.

Name

Chefs Training and Innovation Academy

Legal name

Chefs Training and Innovation Academy

Website

https://ctia.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CTIA is a South African private culinary training institution operating four physical campuses and an online campus, delivering accredited culinary, pastry, and hospitality programmes to school leavers, career changers, and working professionals, with a 100% graduate employment guarantee backed by 400+ industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Culinary and Hospitality Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Patisserie & Confectionery (Chocolate/Sugar Arts) (EDAOAKAD), Culinary Arts & Cooking (Baking, Pastry, Global Cuisines) (EDAAAGAG), Nutrition, Special Diets & Wellness Cooking (EDAOAKAJ), Culinary Skills Workshops (Baking, Regional Cooking, Food Prep Skills) (THAJAKAE)

Keywords

• Culinary arts education
• Professional chef training
• Pastry and baking courses
• Hospitality vocational training
• Online culinary programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Centurion

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees – Full-Time Programmes: Students pay tuition fees for full-time on-campus culinary arts and pastry programmes ranging from 6 to 36 months in duration. Programmes include Culinary Arts (12 months), Advanced Culinary Arts (12 months), Pastry Programme (6 months), and combined programmes.
2. Tuition Fees – Online Programmes: Online programmes charged on a per-course basis covering Introduction to Culinary Arts (6 months), Culinary Arts Programme (12 months), Pastry Programme (12 months), and combined programmes (18–30 months). Fees quoted as starting from R24,000 for premium internationally recognised certifications.
3. Short Courses and SPICE Programmes: Short professional culinary courses including the 'How To' Baking Series (9 weeks), 'How To' Cooking Series, and combined series, providing modular upskilling for hobbyists and professionals.
4. Application Fee: Non-refundable application fee charged at the point of application. A R1,000 application fee is mentioned as standard for enrolment.
5. Student Finance and Payment Plans: CTIA offers payment term options for tuition fees. Student loans through external providers (Student Hero) are referenced as financing options. NSFAS is not available as CTIA is a private institution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Chefs Training and Innovation Academy (CTIA) delivers accredited culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management education through four physical campuses in South Africa (Centurion, Durban, Stellenbosch, Mbombela) and an online campus. Programmes are offered in full-time, part-time, and online formats spanning 6 to 36 months, with curricula covering culinary techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and pastry/confectionery, leading to nationally (QCTO) and internationally (City & Guilds, Highfield) recognised qualifications.

Product overview

Chefs Training and Innovation Academy (CTIA) offers a comprehensive culinary education portfolio across four physical campuses (Centurion, Durban, Mbombela, Stellenbosch) and an online campus. The product suite consists of full-time, part-time, and online delivery modes spanning foundational to advanced culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management programmes. Key products include: Full-Time Culinary Arts Programme (12 months) and Full-Time Advanced Culinary Arts Programme (12 months) as flagship campus-based offerings; Full-Time Pastry Programme (6 months) for specialised baking and confectionery training; Online programmes including Introduction to Culinary Arts (6 months), Culinary Arts (12 months), Advanced Culinary Arts (18 months), and Pastry (12 months); Combined programmes such as Culinary Arts and Pastry Combined (24 months) and Chef Management Programme (30 months); plus Part-Time Blended evening programmes, Short Courses under the SPICE brand, RPL pathways, and Hospitality & Tourism Management programmes. All programmes carry dual accreditation through QCTO (national) and Highfield/City & Guilds (international), delivered via Moodle learning management system and Microsoft Teams for live sessions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full-Time Culinary Arts Programme A 12-month full-time campus-based culinary training programme providing foundational skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and professional standards, leading to Highfield Level 3 Diploma certification. Targeted at school leavers and career changers entering the chef profession.
• Full-Time Advanced Culinary Arts Programme A 12-month advanced full-time programme developing leadership skills, advanced cooking techniques, food safety, and management abilities, leading to Occupational Certificate: Cook NQF Level 4. Targeted at students with foundational culinary knowledge seeking career advancement.
• Full-Time Pastry Programme A 6-month full-time pastry and baking programme covering doughs, pastries, chocolate work, sugar craft, and confectionery, leading to Highfield Level 3 Diploma in Patisserie, Confectionery & Bakery. Targeted at aspiring pastry chefs and bakers.
• Part-Time Blended Programmes Evening part-time culinary and pastry programmes with once-weekly hands-on sessions from 18:00 to 22:00, designed for working hospitality professionals who cannot commit to full-time study.
• SPICE Short Programmes in Culinary Excellence Nine-week intensive short courses including the 'How To' Baking Series, 'How To' Cooking Series, and combined cooking and baking series, providing modular upskilling for hobbyists, home bakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Online Introduction to Culinary Arts Programme A 6-month online programme delivering foundational culinary skills via Moodle and Microsoft Teams, with practical assessments and final exams at CTIA campus locations. Targeted at students unable to attend on-campus study.
• Online Culinary Arts Programme A 12-month online culinary programme covering hot and cold kitchen skills, plating, and service standards, delivered through video lessons and live instructor sessions.
• Online Advanced Culinary Arts Programme An 18-month online advanced culinary programme deepening technique, menu planning, and supervisory skills, leading to Highfield certification.
• Online Pastry Programme A 12-month online pastry programme covering doughs, entremets, chocolate, and sugar craft, with photo/video assessment submission and campus-based final practical exams.
• Online Culinary Arts and Pastry Combined Programme A 24-month online combined programme covering both culinary arts and pastry disciplines, leading to dual Highfield diplomas in culinary supervision and patisserie.
• Online Chef Management Programme A 30-month online programme combining culinary arts, pastry, and management training with emphasis on leadership, HACCP, financial planning, and staff management.
• Online Food and Beverage Course A 6-month online programme covering food and beverage service, beverage preparation, and hospitality operations, leading to City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma.
• Online Hospitality and Tourism Management Programmes Online hospitality and tourism management programmes at CTH Level 3, 4, and 5, providing pathways from foundation to advanced qualifications in hospitality management.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programmes RPL pathways for existing culinary professionals to obtain formal qualifications through recognition of prior learning, available in multiple culinary specialisations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% graduate employment rate guaranteed through industry partner network
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTIA's exclusive partnership with BHMS in Lucerne, Switzerland enables CTIA graduates to top up their studies and earn a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts in Switzerland, providing global exposure and international credential advancement.
• InternAfrikacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTIA's partnership with InternAfrika offers students the opportunity to do paid internships in France while completing their studies, providing international work experience and career development.
• Barry CallebautminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarry Callebaut is CTIA's preferred chocolate partner, supporting the institution's pastry and chocolate training programmes. With over 13,000 employees and 25 CHOCOLATE ACADEMY centres worldwide, Barry Callebaut provides industry-grade chocolate expertise and products.
• The Chocolate AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfrica's first dedicated chocolate training centre, launched May 2018, working closely with CTIA on everything related to chocolate. Provides specialist chocolate training, expertise, and inspiration for aspiring chocolatiers.
• Cape Wine AcademyminorOthersThe recognised leader in wine appreciation and wine education in South Africa. CTIA is associated with the Cape Wine Academy to enhance hospitality curriculum with wine knowledge.
• Chaine Des RotisseursminorOthersCTIA is affiliated with the Chaine Des Rotisseurs through members Deon Roets (Bailliage du Cap, Maître Hôtelier) and Louise Oldham (Managing Director, Chef Rôtisseur). The world's oldest food and wine brotherhood providing prestige and industry connections.
• Industry Partners Network (400+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCTIA maintains relationships with over 400 industry partners across South Africa, providing students with industry placements during study and guaranteed employment after graduation. Partners span hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and hospitality businesses.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School): CTIA's articulation partner in Lucerne, Switzerland. Comparable as a culinary/hospitality higher education institution and as a strategic channel for CTIA graduates to pursue Bachelor's-level qualifications.

Broad incumbents

• The Culinary Institute of America (CIA): Premier US-based culinary school with degree programmes and continuing education. Comparable as a benchmark for advanced culinary education, though operating at much larger scale and different geographic market.
• Le Cordon Bleu: Global culinary education brand with schools in multiple countries. Comparable to CTIA's international articulation partnerships (City & Guilds, Highfield) as a globally-recognised culinary credentialing brand.
• Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): US-based culinary and pastry school with both in-person and online programmes. Comparable to CTIA as a hybrid delivery model competitor in the professional culinary training category.
• ADvTECH (Vega School / IIE): South Africa's largest private higher education group. Comparable as a competing private higher education brand in the same geography, though operating at much larger scale and across more disciplines.

Direct peers

• Hurst Campus (Hurst Educational): South African hospitality and culinary training provider. Comparable to CTIA in delivering accredited hospitality and culinary programmes to similar school-leaver and career-changer segments.
• Prue Leith College of Food and Wine: Established South African culinary school offering professional chef and pastry programmes. Directly comparable to CTIA in product mix (culinary, pastry, short courses) and target customer (career changers and school leavers seeking accredited qualifications).
• Silwood School of Cookery: Cape Town-based culinary school providing accredited chef training programmes. Comparable to CTIA as a private South African culinary institution competing for Western Cape students and offering similar professional qualifications.
• Capsicum Culinary Studio: South Africa's largest private culinary school, with campuses in multiple cities. Directly comparable to CTIA as both are private, accredited culinary training institutions competing for the same South African student market with similar full-time and short-course offerings.

Regional players

• Capsicum Cookery School (UK): UK-based culinary school associated with the broader Capsicum brand. Comparable to CTIA for curriculum benchmarking and international culinary education standards, though serving a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCBlXubI-5ecIlstaFcBOCtQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/cheftraining
• Instagraminstagram.com/ctia_chefs
• TikToktiktok.com/@ctia_chefs
• Xx.com/ctia_chefs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chefs-training-and-innovation-academy

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chefs Training and Innovation Academy