The culinary arts encompasses a large, diverse, and interdisciplinary field where gastronomy meets creativity, science, nutrition, food supply chains, sustainability efforts, staff management, and more. Aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts often enter culinary school with a passion for cooking, only to discover that the industry offers a vast array of educational and professional development opportunities beyond the stove. Here’s how you can use foundational culinary training as a springboard for the career path that’s right for you.

Where to Start: Get Foundational Training

Before you progress to advanced culinary classes — especially if you’re not yet sure how you’d like to specialize in this field — it’s essential to take an introductory course on commercial kitchen operations. These types of classes will often offer instruction in the following areas:

  • Kitchen safety and sanitation
  • Knife use
  • Cleaning and servicing kitchen equipment
  • Recipe reading and writing
  • Basic cooking skills (sautéing, braising, etc.)
  • Basic baking skills (bread and dessert baking)
  • Elements of restaurant management
  • Raw product and menu pricing
  • Basic industry economics
  • Practical computer and financial literacy skills
  • Culinary math
  • Life and job skills

After completing introductory training, you can qualify for marketable certificates and for jobs in commercial kitchens, which is another reason these courses are so valuable. Once you have a handle on the basics, you can either enter the job market directly or pursue further education. Keep in mind that you may learn quite a bit on the job, too.

What You’ll Learn As Your Education Progresses

As you progress through your culinary arts education (or on-the-job professional development), you’ll have opportunities to gain a better understanding of various approaches to food. Getting exposure to these can help you decide which aspects of the industry you’re most interested in.

The Science of Cooking

Culinary arts education begins with understanding the science behind food. This includes studying nutrition, food science, and dietetics, which are essential for creating balanced meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) emphasizes the importance of nutrition in culinary education, ensuring that students are well-versed in the dietary needs of different populations.

Art and Presentation

Presentation is paramount in the culinary arts. The adage “we eat with our eyes first” will always hold true, as the visual appeal of food can affect its perceived taste. Culinary students learn the art of plating and food styling, which can lead to careers in food photography and styling for media and advertising.

Culinary Management and Entrepreneurship

Culinary management and entrepreneurship programs often include coursework in business management, accounting, and hospitality, preparing students to start their own businesses. This kind of training is vital if your life’s dream is to open your own restaurant, bakery, food truck, café, bar, brewery, or similar establishment.

Cultural and Historical Contexts

Understanding the cultural and historical context of various cuisines is crucial for any culinary professional. Culinary arts education explores the anthropology of food, which can lead to opportunities in food writing, culinary tourism, and consulting for cultural institutions. The study of regional cuisines and food history is a staple in many culinary schools. You can use this training to bring authentic flavors and dishes to your community — and become a cultural ambassador with the kind of mouthwatering charm no one can resist.

Sustainability and Food Policy

Sustainability is a pressing issue in the culinary world. Chefs and food professionals are at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, advocating for sustainable farming practices and ethical sourcing of ingredients. Another avenue of sustainability involves prioritizing the consumption of vegetarian, vegan, and alternative protein foods, thereby reducing animal cruelty while promoting healthier eating.

Education and Community Outreach

Chefs and culinary professionals often engage in education and community outreach, teaching cooking classes, and promoting healthy eating habits. Culinary education can prepare individuals for roles in community service and public health, such as working with nonprofit organizations to improve nutrition education.

Get FREE Culinary Training With JobTrain

You can get the training you need to qualify for many careers in the culinary arts. If you live near Silicon Valley in Northern California, contact JobTrain to get free hands-on career training. Check out our Culinary Arts Training Program to get started on the path to a high-quality job in this field.

JobTrain is an accredited educational and training institution that transforms lives and communities in Silicon Valley. We help people reclaim their lives by preparing them for successful, sustainable careers in high-demand and emerging fields.

Each of JobTrain’s programs combines vocational training, academics, and essential skills development, preparing students to turn their lives around—from unemployment to success and self-sufficiency. Contact us today to learn more!