Instructions on How to Become a Chef

Benefits

Free food and room for promotion are some of the many perks of becoming a chef. You can learn about different cultures while working in a creative environment, and have fun at the same time. There are a variety of different businesses you could work for who are always looking for professionals with proper training and an education.

Culinary Institutions

Besides earning a culinary education in technical schools, colleges, and universities, there are a large number of institutions with only culinary programs. Because students work under the guidance of professional chefs, culinary institutions are becoming more and more popular.

Here are some of the many institutions offering culinary programs in a variety of different states:

• Culinary Institute of America
• Institute of Culinary Education
• Arizona Culinary institute
• University of Phoenix
• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Education

Certificates

Certificates are generally the cheapest option for students wanting to get a proper culinary education. Certificate programs have a specific, narrow focus, and take approximately 30 weeks to complete. They are available at various trade and technical schools, culinary institutes, and some colleges and universities.

Here are some of the many available certificate programs: (Programs vary according to geographical location)

• Baking and Pastry
• Commercial Cooking
• Food and Beverage Management
• Culinary Technology
• Catering
• Accelerated Wine and Beverage
• Wine Professional
• Certified Culinarian
• Sous Chef
• Executive Chef
• Chef de Cuisine
• Master Chef
• Personal Chef
• Personal Executive Chef
• Pastry Culinarian
• Executive Pastry Chef
• Master Pastry Chef
• Culinary Administrator
• Culinary Educator

Diplomas

A diploma takes approximately one to two years to complete, and most programs require students to complete an externship. Diploma programs are available at culinary institutions, trade and technical schools, as well as some colleges and universities.

Here are some of the many available diploma programs: (Programs vary according to geographical location)

• Culinary Arts
• Baking and Pastry
• Culinary Management
• Professional Cook
• Professional Baker
• Restaurant Management
• Food and Beverage Management
• Culinary Essentials
• Catering and Gourmet Cooking
• Commercial Cooking
• International Baking and Pastry

Apprenticeships

With an “earn-while-you-learn” approach, students of apprenticeship programs can work under the supervision of a professional chef while studying for their future culinary career. An apprenticeship could take one to three years to complete, and are available at culinary institutions, trade and technical schools, as well as some colleges and universities. Some employers may also enrol both future and current employees in an apprenticeship program so they can receive a proper education and training.

Here are some of the many available apprenticeship programs: (Programs may vary according to geographical location)

• Professional Cookery
• Food Preparation
• Baking and Pastry
• Chef Youth
• Hospitality and Catering
• Food and Drink Service
• Butchery and Meat Processing

Degrees

Degrees may be the most expensive form of education, but the programs are always complex and provide students with a well-rounded education. An associate’s degree generally takes one to two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete. Degree programs are available at culinary institutions, colleges, and universities.

Here are the various types of available degree programs for both bachelor and associate degrees: (Programs vary according to geographical location)

• Baking and pastry arts (Associate and Bachelor)
• Culinary Arts (Associate and Bachelor)
• Food and Beverage Management (Associate and Bachelor)
• Hotel and Restaurant Management (Associate and Bachelor)
• Catering (Associate)
• Advanced Culinary Arts (Associate)
• Culinary Arts Management (Associate and Bachelor)