The François Ferreira Academy is renowned for giving its learners the knowledge and techniques to lay a solid foundation and the opportunity to let their dreams take flight. This year their learners got an opportunity beyond their wildest dreams: getting to work on the hit reality show, My Kitchen Rules South Africa!
The Academy is situated in George and when Season 4 of MKRSA was shot on location in the Garden Route, eleven of their apprentice chefs had the opportunity to work on location and behind the scenes as part of the production team.
Under the leadership of Francois Ferreira’s Campus Manager, Catherine Eybers, the learners got to experience the adrenaline rush of being on a reality show. Catherine is an experienced culinary producer and production manager and was a seasoned member of the MKRSA team for three seasons before reuniting with Chef François Ferreira at the Academy.
Emile Bezuidenhout, Neo Moloro, Tiaan Hough, Robert Lubbe, Tido Willemse, Amy Scott, Mandene Klopper, Carus Albert, Lynette Visser, Warrenisha Valrobeth and Minette van der Westhuizen were put through their paces: from very, very early morning set-ups to working in the pouring rain, the aspirant chefs were tried and tested as much as the MKRSA contestants and loved every minute of it!
Their duties included unpacking the trucks, setting up kitchen, cleaning before and after each challenge, and even more cleaning during the on-air challenges, all whilst staying out of camera shot.
At the François Ferreira Academy are not only the learners constantly taught new skills in a different food environment, but so are the Academy’s own team members. Working hand in hand with the apprentice chefs and Catherine, was Cheri-lynn Speelman, senior facilitator and long-standing trainer of the Academy. Chef Cheri-lynn had the opportunity to explore a new environment and expand her own skill set. Continuing professional development is a priority at the Academy.
The culinary and hospitality field is ideal for creative and adventurous individuals. The Academy allows your creativity and talents to come to life. Francois Ferreira provides more opportunities for their learners to explore other aspects and opportunities in this field.
The Academy believes in work-integrated learning and practical application to ensure that you enter the magical culinary and hospitality world with confidence. They offer internationally accredited courses and enrollments are open for the following courses for 2023:
- Occupational Certificate Chef – 3 years
- Diploma Professional Chef – 1 year
- Diploma in Patisserie, Confectionary, and Baking – 1 year
- Diploma Culinary Supervision and Management – 1 year
Your creativity and talents have no limits and at the François Ferreira Academy, the Academy strives to help you make your dreams a reality, even on reality TV.
Contact their friendly student advisors for more information at (044) 884 0765 or info@francoisferreira.com.
Visit their website at www.francoisferreira.com and like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for photos and videos of behind the scenes on MKRSA, Season 4.
