If you have a passion for food, enjoy working with people, and take pride in a job well done, your "recipe for success" might be found in Culinary Arts. Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center offers students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in virtually all aspects of the food service field. The school's fully equipped kitchen serves as a classroom for students to learn fundamental skills in areas ranging from food preparation and serving techniques to safety/sanitation and nutrition.
· Formal training for chefs, head cooks, supervisors, and other culinary arts professionals takes place at a community college, technical school, culinary arts school, or a 2-year or 4-year college offering degrees in hospitality or hotel management.
· Chefs, head cooks, and food preparation and serving supervisors must demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, and have the ability to motivate others.
· Many cooks and food preparation workers are young - 35 percent are below the age of 24, and job opportunities are expected to be good primarily because of high turnover.
· Restaurants rely on good food and customer service to retain customers in a competitive industry. Workers who exhibit excellent personal qualities, an ability to work as part of a team, and a natural rapport with customers will be highly sought after.
