Good baking and pastry school

[Fugu]

I retired from being an Executive Chef for health reasons. Now, I am about to get a kidney transplant after being sick for more than 3 years. I am not looking forward to going back to cooking or being a chef or cook. I have always wanted to work in pastry and bake shops and I am exploring this new direction. But, I need some upgrading, a good school to learn the baking and pastry trade. I have limited experience in pulled sugar work, gumpaste, silk screen, butter sculptures and veg/fruit carvings.

Does anyone have a suggestion as a jumping off point, a school or a place to do apprenticeship where I can learn a lot? I was told a long time ago that because I have some background in pastry and baking, that I can skip the first year of the course being offered at Humber college. I don't know if this still applies?

Thanks

Edited to add: I need a school somewhere in the GTA. McCalls' cake decorating school is near my house but I am not sure of their reputation in the industry.

Edited June 25, 2008 by Fugu (log)

[jenc]

There's George Brown as well, but I don't know what they offer in terms of pastry/baking...

[Kerry Beal]

Is Niagara College in St Catherines too far out? They have a good pastry program.

[Fugu]

Thank you Jenc and Kerry Beal, I'll enquire about the courses these schools offer. Distance wise, Humber North campus is ideal but I don't know what courses they offer. Just exploring my options at this time.

Thanks again.

Gerry