QUALIFICATION FROM CARAWAY
“Being a Chef never seems like a job, it becomes a true passion”
~ Gordon Ramsay
Internationally Recognised Highfield Qualifications with Caraway
At the Caraway International Hospitality Institute, we are honoured to be an approved centre for Highfield, one of the UK’s foremost awarding organisations for vocational qualifications. This esteemed accreditation enables our students to earn globally recognised certifications that expand their career possibilities far and wide.
Graduating with a Highfield qualification means you are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and credentials to unlock opportunities not just in South Africa, but around the world. This global recognition ensures our graduates are prepared to thrive in the ever-changing hospitality industry, ready to achieve success wherever their aspirations lead.
Industry Placements
At Caraway, we believe in turning education into action. That’s why every student is guaranteed an exciting industry placement with one of our prestigious hospitality partners. This invaluable hands-on experience complements your academic learning, immersing you in the fast-paced world of professional kitchens and hospitality venues.
Our 6-month course features 2 months of industry work, while the 12-month course takes it further with 4 months of real-world experience. These placements offer unparalleled opportunities to build practical skills, expand your network, and gain insider knowledge of the industry.
By combining world-class education with real-world application, Caraway ensures you graduate with the confidence, experience, and connections needed to thrive.
Unleash Your Inner Entrepreneur
At Caraway International, we take your future to the next level by offering an exclusive entrepreneurship course as a bonus to our full time programmes. Crafted by visionary creatives and successful hospitality entrepreneurs, this course empowers you with the essential business skills to thrive in the competitive hospitality industry.
From crafting business plans to mastering the art of innovation, this entrepreneurial training sets you apart, transforming your passion into a potential business venture. Combined with top-tier education and hands-on industry experience, our programme ensures Caraway graduates aren’t just prepared to enter the hospitality world… they’re ready to redefine it.
“One thing I always say is that being a great chef today is not enough – you have to be a great businessman”
~ Wolfgang Puck
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About Caraway
At Caraway International Hospitality Institute, we are more than a culinary school – we are a community driven by creativity, discipline, and heart. Rooted in the vibrant spirit of Umhlanga, we believe in nurturing not just skills, but character. Our values are built around excellence, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. We honour tradition while embracing change, and we guide our students to do the same. Every learner who walks through our doors is seen as an individual with potential, and our mission is to shape confident, capable professionals who lead with passion and purpose – whether in a kitchen, a boardroom, or anywhere in between.
Leading our academic team is Chef Sharon Visagie, whose dedication to culinary education is both profound and inspiring. With a philosophy rooted in practical experience, Chef Sharon emphasises that great chefs are crafted through a combination of theoretical training and real-world kitchen practice. Her commitment ensures that students not only master essential techniques but also develop the creativity and discipline necessary to excel in the fast-paced culinary world.
Complementing our leadership is Robert Mitchell, a visionary entrepreneur with an impressive track record in the hospitality sector. As the founder of Caraway International Hospitality Institute, Rob has been instrumental in launching over 100 restaurants across South Africa, including enduring franchises that have become household names. His innovative approach and unwavering passion for creating extraordinary dining experiences have solidified his reputation as an industry leader. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Rob is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of culinary talent, ensuring that his legacy of excellence continues through the students he inspires.
At Caraway, we believe in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and instilling a commitment to excellence. Our team is dedicated to empowering aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals to transform their passion into successful, fulfilling careers.
Meet the Team
Hadley Matthews
Student Advisor & Marketing Administrator
Hadley Matthews is our primary point of contact for students from enrollment to graduation and beyond. She will provide you with guidance and support throughout your academic journey.
With a commitment to student welfare, Hadley assists with academic inquiries, helps navigate student life, and offers a welcoming presence for those in need of advice or simply a friendly conversation. Whether answering questions, solving challenges, or offering encouragement, Hadley is dedicated to ensuring every student has a positive and fulfilling experience at Caraway.
Chef Sharon Visagie
Principal & Lecturer
Chef Sharon is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.
With a deep passion for both education and the culinary arts, Chef Sharon believes in a hands-on approach to learning, emphasising that great chefs are shaped not only in the classroom but in kitchens where creativity, discipline, and a love for food come together.
From refining techniques to preparing students for the dynamic hospitality industry, Chef Sharon is committed to guiding each learner every step of the way, ensuring they graduate industry-ready and confident in their skills.