Culinary Arts

THE WORK

Culinary art is a very rewarding profession. The apprentice works in all aspects of kitchen operations including baking and pastries, meat cutting, hot- and cold-food production, soups and sauces, decorating, management controls, safety and sanitation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Culinary workers generally work indoors in a fast-paced environment. They work with knives, slicing machines, and hot stoves, ovens, steamers and fryers. The work can be strenuous, with some heavy lifting. Culinarians must be able to develop interpersonal communication skills.

THE APPRENTICESHIP

This program is 6000 hours (three years) of on-the-job training. In addition, related classroom training of 200 hours a year is required. Upon completion of the program, the American Culinary Federation and the State of Washington recognize the apprentice as a certified cook.

APPRENTICESHIP ENTRY REQUIREMENT

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• High school diploma or an equivalent degree.
• Physically able to perform the work of the trade.