Should I Consider Enrolling Into A Culinary Arts School?
Apr 5, 2015 | 12:00 pm
Thinking of a culinary arts school? Enrolling in a culinary arts school can open a lot of opportunities, not to mention, the chance to become a successful chef someday. However, there are some people who are thinking twice to enroll in a culinary school even if the drive to become a chef is strong. To get rid of your hesitations and uncertainties, you need to learn about the pros you will gain when you enroll into a culinary school.
Formal Education and What You Learn
First, a formal education offered by any culinary school will enable you to achieve full understanding about what it really takes to be a successful chef. The primary advantage of enrolling in a culinary school is that the education and training you will get is methodical. Some people may think that getting an employment in kitchens or apprenticeships even without formal education will help them become professional chefs. However, this kind of move is often a hit or miss action and only a few can really emerge successful.
When you obtain a formal education, you are more likely to learn firsthand the real job responsibilities of chefs as well as obtain foundational knowledge that range from kitchen equipment identification, food safety, different cuts, sanitation and creating mother sauces, among others. When you work in real kitchen environment, there will be nobody there to guide you or teach you how to do the tournée cut because everyone will be expecting that you know your job.
Another advantage you can gain from a culinary school is the opportunity to train with world class culinary experts. There is so much you can learn from professional chefs who were able to establish their prominence in global culinary stage. These chefs are more than willing to impart what they know about culinary arts while trying to hone new generation of professionals.
Apprenticeships
You can refine your culinary skills with the help of teachers who are experienced in the culinary arts. Each of the courses you take usually requires apprenticeship and involvement in café operations or restaurant simulation. This enables students to participate in every aspect related to working in professional culinary setting.
Being enrolled at a culinary school also allows you to build your network and compete with others. When you are at a culinary school, you are able to learn that it is as much about acquired skills as it is about networking with other people that may help you propel your career later on.
The last but not the least is the opportunity to have fun while realizing your dreams. Only few career opportunities provide this chance of combined fun and work. When you are in a professional learning environment, you are able to hone your skills while learning as much as you can to become a professional chef after you complete all the required coursework. You can also connect with a lot of people from different walks of life, which can help expand your horizons and perspectives regarding the responsibilities as a chef.