Getting an education in the culinary arts is a bit different from other jobs. First, the amount of education you need depends on what type of cooking you want to do.
For those who work in fast food, work as a short-order cook, or work as a food preparer, culinary degrees just aren't necessary. Workers in these positions usually receive all of their education and training on the job. However, if you’re looking for a position as a chef in a larger restaurant, you'll likely need to attend a cooking school or at the very least take some culinary art classes.
Culinary School
Most entry and low-level positions in the culinary arts don’t even require a high school diploma. In these entry positions, you’ll learn about kitchen safety, how to prepare and handle food, how to keep the kitchen clean, and how to prepare food in a healthy and safe way. In the fast food and short-order industry, you may advance to a supervisor position after several years.
Culinary Arts schools will help you become a chef or head cook.
Again, however, these positions are only entry-level positions, and there's generally little room for advancement at large restaurants unless you have more training in the culinary arts.
There are several options for further education in the field of culinary arts after high school. First, there are many vocational schools and community colleges that offer courses in cooking, food safety, basic cooking methods, nutrition, sanitation, and food preparation. These programs may also include some basic business classes and computer classes for those who plan to open their own restaurant some day. In many of these programs, you can transition from your vocational program to a summer internship at a hotel or restaurant chain. These internships are a great way to gain experience in the field, which helps both with getting a job and with getting into a higher-level education program.
In these more formal culinary arts schools, you may take classes from a couple of months to a couple of years, depending on the specific program you're enrolled in. The longer programs award a certification in the culinary arts or – in a few cases – even a full associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs prepare chefs to work in upscale restaurants or to start their own restaurants. Students in these programs also have the option to specialize in areas such as desserts or international cuisine. While enrolled in one of these advanced program, you’ll take classes like advanced cooking, cooking for large groups, and various cooking techniques.
Today, many chefs are seeking training from a professional culinary institute instead of simply entering the profession and gaining skills while on the job. In fact, there are over 200 of these schools accredited by the American Culinary Federation in the US, so you should be able to find a program in your ideal location at a price you can afford.
Many cooks want to become executive chefs or open their own restaurants, and today that requires much more training and education than it did before. No matter what program you decide to enter – be it vocational or professional – you’ll be spending many hours in the kitchen learning recipes and practicing them. Take as much time as you need to practicing these skills – good cooking technique lays the groundwork for good food.
Culinary programs are offered at more than 30 locations making The Art Institutes the largest culinary school system in North America. Request your free information packet right now and get on the road to an exciting career in culinary arts. Learn more about the Art Institutes | Request free info
