Frequently asked questions

Q. Do I need experience to attend a class with the Australian Patisserie Academy?

A. Classes are offered in four levels:

Beginner - we recommend the beginner classes for absolute novices in each area.
Intermediate - suitable for those who have completed a beginner class in the course area or who have some previous experience.
Advanced - suitable for those who have completed both beginner and intermediate classes in the course area or who have extensive experience.

Q. Which class should I do first?

A. Choose the course area that you are most passionate about and level you are suited to.

Q. What should I wear to the classes?

A. The Australian Patisserie Academy is a professional training facility. Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times including long pants, a cotton shirt with sleeves and fully closed in, flat, non-slip shoes. You will be given a hat and apron to use on the day but if you have a full chef’s uniform, please feel free to wear it.
Proper attire including long pants, cotton shirts with sleeves and appropriate footwear are essential entry requirements to attend classes. These are important necessities to prevent injury in case of spillage.

Long pants – this means pants that cover your entire leg. Shorts or ¾ pants are not permitted.
Cotton shirts with sleeves – this means shirts that cover the top part of your arm as well as your entire torso. Singlets, crop tops, halter neck or sleeveless tops are not permitted.
Fully closed in, flat, non-slip shoes - this means flat shoes that cover your foot in its entirety with a rubber sole. Ballerina shoes, shoes with a heel or open shoes of any kind are not permitted.

No Jewellery is to be worn during class. Long hair must be tied back neatly. Students without appropriate attire may not be submitted to classes and thus forfeit their enrolment.

Q. I am a temporary visa holder, can I study with the Australian Patisserie Academy?

A. Yes! If you are in Australia on a temporary visa that allows you to study, you are welcome to apply for one of our courses. We will only enrol you in courses when your visa is current, and it is your responsibility to provide visa documents which shows the visa remains current throughout your training with us. More information regarding Temporary Visa Holders can be found at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/payment-funding/temporary-visa-holders

Q. Do I get a refund if the Australian Patisserie Academy cancels my course?

A. Yes. If a program is cancelled by the Australian Patisserie Academy, you are entitled to a full refund.

Q. Can I cancel my course after I have paid?

A. Yes. Cancellations notified in writing 5 business days before the start of 1 (one), 2 (two) or 3 (three) day short courses are eligible for full refunds. Cancellations notified less than 5 business days before our 1 (one), 2 (two) or 3 (three) day short courses will not receive a refund. Please see our Terms and Conditions page for full details.

Q. I have enrolled and paid on behalf of someone else, what do I do?

A. For liability and insurance purposes only enrolled students are eligible to attend courses. Please contact the Academy up to 48 hours prior to the class commencing, and our team will assist you with changes to your enrolment. Students are not able to transfer their enrolment to a third party without written consent from the Academy. Students without a confirmed enrolment are not able to partake in classes.

Q. Can I take home what I make in my classes?

Yes, all products made in class can be taken home to enjoy with your family and friends. Please ensure fresh products are refrigerated within two hours of class completion. Feel free to bring your own cake or take away containers to take home your class production. You may like to bring an Esky if you have some distance to travel.

Q. Do I receive a certificate from the Australian Patisserie Academy?

A. Yes, you will receive an Australian Patisserie Academy participation certificate.

Q. Does the Australian Patisserie Academy supply a copy of the recipes?

A. Yes, the Australian Patisserie Academy will supply you with a student workbook that includes recipes.

Q. Should I bring my lunch to the Australian Patisserie Academy?

A. Yes, you may. There are microwaves available if you need to heat your lunch. Otherwise, there is a small coffee shop that sells a limited range of food or there are vending machines with snacks. We recommend that you have a filling breakfast before attending our classes. As we are working with food, break times vary depending on the subject matter and can be later in the day.

Q. Do these classes lead to a qualification?

A. No, the classes in the Australian Patisserie Academy do not lead to a qualification. If you are interested in further training you can choose from a range of certificate and diploma programs offered by TAFE NSW. See the hospitality industry page.

Q. Is there parking available at Ryde Campus?

A .Yes, there is plenty of parking onsite. The car park entrance is via 59 Parkes Street, Ryde.

Q. Can I take photos, videos or audio recordings in class?

A. Photography of your own work is allowed at the Australian Patisserie Academy. However, under no circumstances do we allow video or audio recordings.

The Academy will take photos and videos of some classes for marketing purposes. If you do not wish for your image, product, voice or name to be published, please do not sign the Authority to Publish form at the start of class and contact your chef lecturer.

Q. Is there a minimum age required to attend classes?

A. Yes, a minimum age of 15 years applies to all students attending classes.

Q. Do I need to bring any tools?

A: No, all the tools required during class are provided for the duration of the course. You will be given a set of tools at the beginning of each day. It is your responsibility to ensure that all tools provided for the class are returned in full to the teacher at the end of each day. Missing items may incur a replacement fee.

Q. What happens when I run late?

A: If you are delayed you will be contacted by one of our team members to check your estimated arrival time and help you to join your class when you arrive.

We ask you to arrive at the Academy at least 15 minutes prior so that you have time to register, join your class and familiarise yourself with the classroom and facilities.

Our classes start at 9am sharp, if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the class has begun you may not be able to join your selected course as our teachers will have started and the first vital hands-on steps may have been missed. In this case you would forfeit your enrolment.

Q. Are there any discounts from the NSW government?

A: No, Australian Patisserie Academy courses are not accredited and therefore not subsided by the NSW government.

Q. I am a concession card holder do I get a discount?

A: No, Australian Patisserie Academy courses are not accredited and therefore not subsided by the NSW government.

Q. If I enrol in more than 1 course do I get a discount?

A: No - The Australian Patisserie Academy does on occasion offer discounts on selected individual courses which is promoted on our newsletter and social media platforms.

Q. Will I be working on my own products in class?

A: Certain elements of our courses require students to work in pairs. For more information please contact the Australian Patisserie Academy.

Q. What happens if I can't attend my course because of illness?

A: Students who can't attend a course because of illness can request a refund by contacting the Australian Patisserie Academy and submitting a medical certificate.

For further information please see our Terms and Conditions.

Q. When will I get notification that my course is going ahead?

A: Students will receive an email 7 days prior to the course start date. The Australian Patisserie Academy reserves the right to cancel a program if there are insufficient enrolments or other extenuating circumstances. .