How to choose the best culinary school?

Answer 1

The demand for trained culinary workers continues to grow annually. The variety of new and exciting restaurants creates rewarding opportunities for culinary school graduates. Customers demand high-quality cuisine when dining in restaurants, and the special skills learned in a culinary program will provide a trained Chef with the very best career options.

While kitchen experience is not a prerequisite for culinary entrance, education and experience will help to excel any culinary career. Choosing a culinary school is an important decision; therefore, the entering student should consider the following:

ACCREDITATION

Many universities are accredited for their degree programs, but choosing a school with culinary accreditation will provide the best job opportunities. A culinary accreditation program that is certified by a culinary accreditation organization ensures that the program includes the highest culinary standards.

PROGRAM TYPE

A culinary education is hands on, and includes very little textbook education. Students complete real-life training alongside experienced Chefs. Therefore, a four-year degree is not typically required for entry-level employment in a fast-paced restaurant. There are many one or two-year culinary education programs that provide the training which future employers require.

EXPENSES

Pursing a culinary education is not as expensive when compared to traditional university education. The tuition is generally priced for the entire program of study versus being separated into credit hour costs. Students have the option to pay the tuition in equal monthly payments or pursue federal financial aid. In lieu of purchasing textbooks, students will be required to purchase their own kitchen approved clothing and utensils.

JOB PLACEMENT

Unlike traditional education programs that do not participate in job placement services for graduates, the culinary education programs are different. Typically, before completion of the program, students are placed in temporary job positions inside local restaurants, catering companies, or hotels. The management will evaluate the student, and their job performance will be a generous portion of the completed program grade. After successful graduation, the student will receive job placement assistance from the university or technical program directors.

A culinary education program can be a rewarding and exciting career for aspiring Chefs. After graduation, many Chefs open their own restaurant to expand their unique menu of culinary creations.