Cooking & Culinary Arts Schools - Cooking as a Career

The culinary arts industry is big business and still growing; chefs, cooks and food preparation workers held nearly 3.0 million jobs in 2002 (U.S. Department of Labor). From fast-food chef to head chef, there is a wide range of careers available in cooking and the culinary arts. If quality food is your passion, and you’re not afraid of hard work, then cooking could be the profession for you.

Culinary schools
Culinary schools offer a range of culinary arts programs ranging from a nine-month diploma to a four-year degree. Qualified chefs will be expected to be proficient in multiple cooking techniques, including baking, meat cutting, menu design, patisserie, soups and sauces.

Training to become a head chef or head cook takes years of training, but can be a very glamorous and rewarding career. You will need to start your training at a college or culinary school to become a chef, adding to your experience and qualifications over time.

Fast-food cooks
Nearly one-fifth of cooking staff in the US works in institutions such as schools, universities, businesses, hospitals, and nursing care facilities (U.S. Dept of Labor). Many other people work in the fast-food industry. Most training is gained on the job; salaries are much lower; and turnover is fast. This can suit people needing part-time, convenient work, such as parents or students. The cooking experience will improve your prospects of future culinary arts training.