Culinary Arts

The students will develop the skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry. The course will cover key areas such as food selection, storing, preparing and service, waitstaff training, menu planning and basic nutrition. Emphasis on food safety and sanitation, along with the proper use and maintenence of commercial kitchen equipment. Additionally, students will be introduced to baking and pastry arts. Instruction and hands-on training will take place in a fully equipped, industry-standard kitchen and restaurant style environment.

Skills Learned:

Students will learn a wide range of hands-on skills that will prepare them for entry-level positions in the food service and hospitality industry.   They will learn essential techniques in food preparation, cooking, baking, and presentation, while also gaining knowledge in nutrition, menu planning, and customer service.  Students are trained in proper food safety and nutrition practices in accordance with industry standards, and they develop the ability to use, clean, and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.  Additional skills include time management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.  Students will learn critical competencies for working in fast-paced, real-world culinary environments while working in a fully equipped commercial kitchen.  Students will be provided with many work-based learning opportunities.

Related Occupations and Earnings:

Explore a variety of roles in the culinary and hospitality industry including: Shift Supervisor, Server, Host/Hostess, Banquet Server, Baker, Cake Decorator, Line Cook, Grill Cook, Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Restaurant Assistant Manager, Dietary Aide, Cafeteria Worker, Bakery Assistant, Dishwasher, Cashier, Food Photographer, Food Writer and Food Blogger.

Estimated entry Level Annual Wages: $23,000 – $39,500

* Varies by role and experience

Post-Secondary Opportunities:

Articulated credits can be earned toward a College Degree at local universities and institutions such as;

Westmoreland County Community College.

Instructor(s):

Chef Colby Pettis, colby.pettis@cwctc.org

Chef Terri Walter, terri.walter@cwctc.org

Phone Number – 724-925-3532 x. 1313 & 1315
Office Hours: 7:15am to 7:45am
2:30pm to 2:45pm
Please leave a voicemail message outside of these times.

  • Home Economics
  • College Prep English I-IV
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry
  • SP2
  • OSHA – 10
  • OSHA – etool
  • Serve Safe – Allergens
  • Serve Safe – Food Handler
  • Serve Safe – Manager
  • ProStart COA
  • Rouxbe – Professional Cooking
  • Heartsaver First Aid/CPR
  • Beef University
  • Lamb Curriculamb
  • Active Listening
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Ability to Multitask
  • Ability to Handle Foods
  • Work in Kitchen Conditions
  • Controlled Precision
  • Communication Skills
  • Positive Guest Interactions
  • Decision Making Skills
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment
  • Required Uniform; All White Chef Coat, Houndstooth Chef Pants, White Bib Chef Apron, White Floppy Chef Toque
  • Black Slip/Oil Resistant Shoes
  • Writing Utensils
  • Basic Food Thermometer

 

  • Foundations of Restaurant Management & Culinary Arts.