Culinary schools in California teach the fundamentals in kitchen essentials, poultry, beef, plating and restaurant simulation, pastry and baking, and advanced cuisine to prepare students for a career in a commercial kitchen. Enrolling in a culinary program could impact your life in many ways. In the home, you’ll be equipped to provide delicious and nutritious meals for your family, which will save you money in the long run. However, your objective for pursuing the certificate or degree will most likely be for benefits beyond the home. Culinary programs are targeted to career-minded adults seeking to turn their passion for cooking into monetary rewards. Your goal might be to join a renowned team of chefs in a commercial kitchen or start your own small business. Whatever your goal, a culinary education provides a great start and an invaluable investment.
Culinary programs are not regulated by California State, so it is critical that you compare schools and find one that meets your career goals. Upon completion of the program, you must obtain a California Food Handler Card or Certified Food Protection Manager certificate if you’re involved in the preparation, storage, or serving of food. All commercial kitchen owners and employees must complete a safety-training course and pass an exam to get the card or certificate. The CFH program requires three hours of training and the certificate is valid for three years. The CFPM program requires eight hours of training and the certificate is valid for five years.
Institute of Culinary Education
The Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education is one of the top programs in the nation. The award-winning curriculum teaches the practice and art of cooking through theory, techniques, palate training, speed, and teamwork. ICE offers small class sizes (16 students per instructor), diverse student population, chef instructors, and real-world experience. Hands-on experience is a critical part of the program that places students in the job market in a facility that matches their career goals. The externship will be scheduled after students complete 432 hours of classroom coursework and will cover 210 hours of dedicated training in a restaurant, hotel, or another area of the culinary industry. ICE offers a range of scheduling options to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Culinary Arts Diploma
Duration: 8 to 12 months
Contact hours: 642
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED – documentation will be required
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency
- A copy of government-issued photo identification
- Must be proficient in English
- Attend an information session and campus tour
- Submit a completed application online
- Attend an interview with the Office of Student Financial Services
- Sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Pay the registration fee of $85
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $34,775. The cost includes all food, uniforms, books, knives, culinary tool kit, electives, Wine Essentials series, electives, application fee, and all applicable taxes.
Website: https://www.ice.edu/losangeles
Address: 521 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (888) 718-CHEF
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
LATT holds the record as being one of the oldest cooking schools in the nation. The Culinary Arts program covers hands-on and theory-based education that prepares students for employment in the competitive hospitality industry. Experienced, industry-recognized chef instructors bring their experience and industry-view to the classroom. The AA degree and Certificate pathways are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation (ACFEF). Program graduates will have the foundational skills to work in a professional industry kitchen. They will understand industry standards for entry-level, supervisory, and management level employment, proper practices in different industry segments, and demonstrate culinary techniques in line with professional standards.
Program overview:
Associate Arts Culinary Arts Pathway (CA)
Duration: 2 years
Units: 60 units total including 48 major units
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Must be 18 years or older. Applicants who are 18 years old must obtain parental consent
- Submit proof of residency
- A copy of government-issued photo identification
- Must be proficient in English
- Submit a completed application online
- Sign an Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for resident students. Additional costs include fees, books, supplies, and uniforms.
Website: http://www.lattc.edu/academics/pathways/ca
Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
Phone: (213) 763-7000
Fax: (213) 763-5393
Los Angeles Mission College
The Culinary Arts program at Los Angeles Mission College prepares students for careers in every sector of the culinary arts and hospitality industry. The curriculum is a balance of theory and hands-on instruction in food preparation and management. The development of cooking skills, supervisory, problem solving, and kitchen management skills is a key objective of the program. Graduates will be able to use classic cooking terminology and methods, adhere to safety standards, work with team members in the food service industry, solve problems and make decisions, and assess and improve their performance.
Program overview:
Associate Arts Culinary Arts Pathway (CA)
Duration: 2 years
Units: 42 major units
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Must be 18 years or older
- A copy of government-issued photo identification
- Must be proficient in English
- Submit a completed application online
- Sign an Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
The program will cost $6,014 for resident students who complete the requirements within normal time. Costs for books and supplies will be extra.
Website: https://www.lamission.edu/Culinary/Programs/Culinary-Arts.aspx
Address: 13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone: 818-364-7600
CulinaryLab
CulinaryLab Cooking School offers a culinary diploma program designed for aspiring chefs to develop cooking techniques for professional employment in the culinary arts. The curriculum includes five levels that build on the content of each successive level. CulinaryLab maintains a 12 to 1 student to teacher ratio, opportunities for students to work individually, professional level instruction, and modules designed for skill-building. The comprehensive but fast-paced program takes students from the classroom to the workplace in the fastest possible time through the use of online coursework, repetitive hands-on practice, and mentorship opportunities in local restaurants.
Program overview:
Associate Arts Culinary Arts Pathway (CA)
Duration: 15 months
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application
- Answer some simple questions before an official interview to state career goals
- Attend an interview with the Director of Education
- Pass a math and reading assessment
- Demonstrate English proficiency
- Proof of completing high school or equivalent
- Must be able to perform the essential job requirements including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work continuously for up to 4 hours at a time
Program cost:
Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://culinarylabschool.com/
Address: 17231 17th St B, Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: 714-248-0203
Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor College’s Culinary Arts program includes comprehensive classroom and practical instruction delivered by experienced faculty who are active in the industry. The school takes a unique approach, proving students with the opportunity to learn and grow and a real-world environment. Students will complete general education core courses, major courses (18 units) and additional electives to complete minimum compulsory for an associate’s degree (60 units). Graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of working in the culinary industry. The accredited program meets the transfer requirements within the California State University system.
Program overview:
Associate Degree – Culinary Arts
Duration: 2 years
Prerequisites:
- Must have graduated from high school or successfully passed the California High School Proficiency Exam
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Applicants under 18 years of age must obtain special permission
- Apply for admission online
- Provide all requested information on the application
- Apply for financial aid online
- Attend an Orientation
- Attend a counseling session to learn of the degree and major requirements
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $46 per unit per semester for California residents. Mandatory fees, cost of books, uniforms, and supplies will be added to the total cost of attendance.
Website: https://effectiveness.lahc.edu/academic_affairs/sfcs/culinary%20arts/SitePages/Home.aspx
Address: 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744
Phone: (310) 233-4000
St Joseph Center
St Joseph Center offers a free Culinary Training Program to prepare adults for employment in the food service industry. The curriculum will cover basic cooking skills through hands-on training in the classroom and a restaurant internship at a local restaurant. The hands-on work at an internship affiliate will provide real-world experience that students can add to their resume. The duration of the internship is 4 weeks. Areas of study include kitchen practicum, ServSafe Certification, food demos to food pantry, local gardening, and café days. More than 75% of graduates secure employment in the restaurant and culinary industries. Admission is limited to 12 students per cycle.
Program overview:
Culinary Training Program
Duration 12 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application to the program
- Attend a scheduled interview
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be able to speak/read English
- Must be drug and alcohol-free and unemployed or underemployed
Program cost:
The training is provided free of charge to unemployed or underemployed candidates. Eligibility is subject to income qualification.
Website: https://stjosephctr.org/culinary-training-program/
Address: 204 Hampton Drive, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396 6468
Fax: (310) 392 8402
Hospitality Training Academy Kitchen (HTAK)
The Culinary (Line Cook/Chef de Partie) program at the Hospitality Training Academy Kitchen covers 168 hours in a classroom. This part of the program is offered in an accelerated 8 weeks instead of the typical semester. Upon completion of the classroom requirements, students will participate in a competency-based apprenticeship that covers a minimum of 1000 hours. Students will be prepared for employment in hotel kitchens, restaurants, and airport concessions. Graduates will have the opportunity to meet and interview with executive chefs, managers, and human resource directors from affiliate partners for possible employment. They will be expected to demonstrate the professionalism and knowledge of professionals in the industry, demonstrate major cooking techniques, set up a buffet line, and understand culinary terminology from standardized recipes. Certifications at the end of the program include U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Certificate, California DAS Registered Apprenticeship Certificate, American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certificate, ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, and HTA Industry Recognized Certificate.
Program overview:
Culinary Training Program
Duration: 8 weeks plus internship
Contact hours: 1168
Prerequisites:
- Attend an information session
- Submit a completed application to the program
- Pass two prerequisite classes – kitchen math and knife cuts
- Attend two interviews with HTA staff and management
- Must be at least 18 years old
Program cost:
The training is provided free of charge to low-income and underserved individuals. Eligibility is subject to income qualification.
Website: https://lahta.org/programs/
Address: 1234 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: 424-371-0611
Email: info@lahta.org