Schools of culinary arts tend to offer similar types of programs. Below are some examples.
Certificate programs are available at most cooking schools. Cheaper than degree programs, certificates are the quickest way for culinary arts students to pursue their career. Certificate programs generally last anywhere from nine to twelve months. Food safety is the first thing most schools teach, followed by cutlery techniques and then cooking basics. These basics consist of learning to use sauces, stocks and soups in cooking, followed by learning the various methods by which to cook foods. Some more advanced culinary skills are taught next, followed by a student externship. While many students think their externship will take place at a restaurant, that’s not always the case. Corporate kitchens, catering companies and food manufacturers are also possibilities.
Are you considering attending a college for culinary arts?
Degree programs at schools of culinary arts are typically two years long and can thus go into much greater depth than a certificate program. This usually involves learning cooking techniques from around the world, as well as other essential skills you’ll need in the kitchen. Improvisation, time management, multitasking and menu planning are just a few of these necessities for working in a commercial kitchen. These programs also involve externships, which typically take place in the middle or at the end of the period. Programs with more than one externship allow the student to broaden their experience in various types of culinary environments. For instance, you might take one externship at a country club and another at a casual dining restaurant.
See what you should expect from a college for culinary arts.
Not limited to the above programs, most schools of culinary arts provide management programs as well as courses in baking and pastry arts. An online management program could be right for those who want to continue their education while working.
Find a college for culinary arts near you.
Information about each school’s programs is usually easy to find on their website.
