Culinary Program Now Cooking at LCCC
Interest in culinary arts has never been higher. Television is peppered with cooking programs and competitions. New restaurants open frequently, offering increasingly diverse menus. The growing popularity of culinary arts is encouraging many people to learn more about cooking—not only for personal enjoyment, but to turn their passion for cooking into a fulfilling career.
Many people begin their careers as food-preparation workers and work their way up to positions with more responsibility. Others can speed the process by enrolling in culinary training programs, such as the new program at Lorain County Community College.
New LCCC Associate of Arts Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management - Culinary Arts Major
The LCCC associate of arts degree in culinary arts can prepare you for a career in the hospitality industry. From the preparation of simple dishes to the creation of international cuisine, you will learn a variety of cooking skills and techniques through intense hands-on instruction.
Students can now enroll in the program and take other core program and culinary courses.
Classes have begun in the new LCCC Culinary and Arts facility on the LCCC main campus. The facility includes three teaching kitchens, a dining lab, multi-use spaces and much more.
“The focus of the program is on cooking skills,” says Eric Petrus, program coordinator and executive chef at LCCC, “but it also gives students a solid foundation for other careers in the field. Food-service establishments need people who know how to order food and supplies, set work schedules and ensure that the business runs efficiently.”
Coursework includes food-service management, purchasing, human resources, food and beverage management, and even a course on managing your career. You will learn how to manage a dining room, and how to plan and market your menus.
But for most people, a culinary education is all about the food. You will learn to cook contemporary, international and New World cuisine. You will learn baking and pastry. You will leave LCCC with the skills you need to manage a commercial kitchen.
Job opportunities with a culinary degree include far more than just restaurants. Large catering operations are often located in hotels, conference centers and resorts. Food service is provided in institutional settings such as hospitals, residential care facilities and schools. Even grocery and specialty food stores include on-site bakeries and prepare meals for carryout.
Petrus says, “There is no question that a culinary career can be a demanding profession. But if you have a passion for cooking, as I do, there is not a better job in the world.”
For more information contact Judy Pietch at (440) 366-4187 or via email at jpietch@lorainccc.edu . Visit www.lorainccc.edu/culinary for additional information.