A culinary professional is responsible for skillfully preparing meals with an extensive understanding of diet and nutrition. Culinary professionals can find careers in restaurants, delis, hospitals, and other institutions. This program focuses on the proper techniques and skills, with an emphasis on hand tools and equipment usage, to prepare students for restaurant food production, institutional, personal cooking, baking, and food sales and service. Students will gain hands-on experience with the operation of a school restaurant and serving unique dishes. There are many possibilities to gain experience with catering and banquet events throughout the school year.
Technical Skills:
Sanitation and safety requirements • Cooking and baking • Dining room service • Foodservice math • Collaboration skills
Professional Skills:
Communication • Teamwork • Time management • Personal Responsibility • Organization • Creativity• Social Skills • Adaptability • Endurance
Career Opportunities or Field Positions:
Chef • Server • Restaurant Owner • Baker • Pastry Chef • Hospitality
What Certifications can I earn?
ServSafe/Manager Food Safety Certification
What College Credits can I earn?
Click here for information on how you can earn college credits while in your Career Tech program.
Program Requirements and Expectations:
Students are recommended to be proficient in math, reading, food science, and nutrition. Attendance is critical. Academic expectations include completion of coursework and the ability to work with others in a professional environment.
For detailed information about what is required, please click here for the Signature Culinary Packet for students and parents.
Uniform Requirements:
Chef’s jacket, long sleeve tuxedo shirt, black pants, and checkered chef pants are ordered through the program only and are not available via the school store.
Required white Culinary/CareerTech t-shirt (under chef jacket), and comfortable, skid-resistant black, leather shoes.
A CareerTech fleece may be worn during theory time and can be purchased online or at the school store.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
School Uniform – Approximately $200
*Uniforms should last for the duration of the course.
Student Organizations?
Students may join the SkillsUSA student organization. This club brings students who share common interests together for an exchange of ideas and the opportunity to work towards a common purpose. It offers students recognition through a national program of awards and contests and seeks to cultivate excellence in leadership and in their technical skills. Visit http://www.skillsusa.org/ for more information.
What else should I know?
Students should have a positive attitude with a desire to learn and participate in all aspects of the food service industry. Sanitation, safety, and personal hygiene are essential.
Mike Tosten
Mr. Tosten is a CareerTech alumnus of the Culinary Arts program. He graduated with a Culinary Arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Mr. Tosten has over 35 years of experience in the food service industry. He also holds a certification in ServSafe as a Manager/Proctor.
Aaron Barrick
Mr. Barrick is a CareerTech alumnus of the Culinary Arts program with over 10 years of industry experience. He has earned his ServSafe certification, as well as an associate degree in Culinary Arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
