The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that cooking and food preparation jobs will be plentiful at least up until 2016. While the majority of food service positions are part time and low wage, those with a culinary degree have a better chance of snagging one of the prestigious positions in a top-notch kitchen.
Potential
Most culinary schools require a high school diploma or a General Educational Development diploma for entrance into the school. While in culinary school, it is advisable for future chefs to gain on-the-job experience through part-time jobs or internships, reports the BLS. Restaurant chains, hotels and food management companies often provide internships that can last from three months to a year.
Types
There are three basic kinds of training programs available for chefs. A culinary certificate from a trade school or community college can be earned in as little as eight to 12 weeks. A two-year associate's degree is a common culinary trade degree option for chefs breaking into the industry. Those interested in kitchen management typically earn a four-year bachelor's degree in culinary arts.
Function
A culinary certificate from a school such as Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America or the French Culinary Institute can provide an entry into the field. Training that lasts anywhere from three to nine months also can be useful for those looking for training in specific techniques, such as pastry chef, bread baking or desserts. The two-year degree available at many community colleges is a good starting point and accepted by many restaurants for employment as a sous chef or food preparation worker. A four-year degree from a school such as Johnson & Wales University can prepare students to manage a corporate kitchen or start out as an assistant pastry chef.
Time Frame
For those working in the field who don't have the time or resources to attend school full time to earn a bachelor's degree, some schools, such as Johnson & Wales, offer online programs that can be taken in the student's spare time. While the degree many take longer to earn, the results often are the same, with more opportunities once the course work is completed.
Warning
Although a degree can be earned in two to four years, it takes years of training and experience to become a chef, report consultants at Culinary Arts. An apprenticeship can last as long as three years. It can take as long as 15 years or more working as an assistant to become a chef and qualified kitchen manager in a top restaurant.
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