The outlook is one of growth over, the next several years. One of the biggest challenges the industry faces is finding qualified and motivated individuals for their workforce. The industry is working to recruit employees and boost employee satisfaction and tenure.
Culinary perfection is about a basic love for food and the desire to please people. A career in Culinary Arts involves dedication, physical stamina, hard work, education, and talent.
Opportunities exist in roles of cook, baker, chef, caterer, food and beverage managers, owners of restaurants, and countless other areas. Today, many people entering the culinary field are career changers. Women and minorities are finding room in this industry that has great demand for skilled workers.
Computer applications in the kitchen have become the most important new equipment for supervisors and management. Computers are used in the kitchen for inventory and costing, menu design, staffing, budgeting, forecasting, nutrition analysis and more.
Wages in the industry vary according to individual skill, attitude, energy level, and ability to communicate and work well with others. Entry-level workers with little or no experience may start around $7 per hour, while executive chefs can earn from $40,000 to $100,000. Median wages for someone with an associate degree range from $20,000 to $30,000.
The Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in Hospitality & Culinary Arts, is a four-semester program that contains technical, advanced technical and general education courses. Graduates will be able to apply the principles of supervision and human resource management including employee recruitment, selection, orientation, productivity and labor controls. Graduates will also have the knowledge to exert a higher level of control over the cooking process, prepare American and international cuisine, provide inventory control and monitor the cost/volume/profit relationship in the foodservice industry. These skills are acquired through real-life experiences in the classroom, catering of banquets and special events.
The Hospitality & Culinary Arts certificate program, which contains technical courses, is two semesters in length. Graduates will be able to prepare and serve cuisine found in fine dining establishments, practice sanitation and safety, and efficiently utilize equipment, supplies and personnel. Skill and knowledge is acquired through realistic learning experiences including classroom and catered events. A program advisory committee, composed of representatives of the foodservice industry, annually updates employer expectations and career requirements. Certificate courses are transferable to the Hospitality & Culinary Arts AAS degree program.
SkillsUSA is an organization for secondary and post-secondary students in the technology fields. The organization's goal is to teach leadership skills and to actively involve students outside of the classroom in community projects.