Baking & Pastry Arts at PICAchef Baking & Pastry Arts Program
Explore the Art and Science of Pastry
Turn your love of baking into professional skill, from croissants and artisan breads to chocolate and sugar work. The Baking & Pastry Arts program at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICAchef) blends classic techniques from France, Austria and Germany with modern trends. In as few as six months of hands-on study at our Vancouver institute, you can prepare to pursue the many creative career paths open to pastry professionals.
Our program features small, supportive classes, experienced chef instructors and hands-on learning in our on-campus Blue Hat Bakery & Cafe and Blue Hat Bistro. Our extensive alumni network and Granville Island location open the door to networking and career development.
What We Teach
Our Baking & Pastry Arts program covers baker’s math, artisan breads, pastry doughs, cakes and plated desserts, along with food and beverage operations management and career development.
Hands-On Education
Train in our eight professional kitchens under the guidance of experienced chef instructors. Our chef-to-student ratio is as low as 1:14.
Who Our Students Are
PICAchef students come from all walks of life: new high school graduates, career changers and industry veterans who want to advance their skills.
Why Choose PICAchef
Since our founding in 1997, we’ve built a reputation for excellence. Our Granville Island location puts you at the heart of Vancouver’s exciting cultural scene, and our connections throughout Canada and beyond give you access to exceptional networking opportunities.
Benefits
- A classical foundation drawn from the pastry traditions of France, Austria and Germany
- Industry-informed curriculum that covers cake decorating, plated desserts and special diets
- Career support that includes portfolio and resume workshops, interviewing skills and industry networking
Program Format
- Full-time study five days a week, combining on-site kitchen training with online learning
- Hands-on experience in our eight professional teaching kitchens
- Finish in as few as six months
Curriculum Highlights
- Pastry Foundations: Baker’s math, pastry doughs, batters, fillings and dessert sauces
- Breads and Pastries: Artisan breads, croissants, Danish pastry, choux pastry, cakes and tarts
- Advanced Artistry: Chocolate work, sugar work, cake decorating and plated desserts
My six months in PICAchef’s Baking & Pastry Arts program were unforgettable. The instructors made learning fun and approachable, and the small classes meant I could get all the guidance I needed. I built a strong foundation and then had the freedom to get creative in advanced classes. The friendships I made and the support from the whole team made it even more special.
Riya S.
I loved every day of PICAchef’s Baking & Pastry Arts program. The professional chefs were invested in our growth and made sure we were ready for whatever came next. I’m so grateful for the skills and confidence I gained in just six months.
Andrea P.
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors
