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Entry-Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program

The purpose of the Entry-Level Culinary Arts program is to stimulate learning, growth and transformation. Our goal is to instruct students who are committed to a career in culinary arts and to help them achieve their potential through small class sizes and individualized instruction from a professional faculty and staff. Students will acquire the foundational knowledge and skills of cooking and/or baking, sensory awareness and teamwork needed to work with competence and professionalism in a commercial kitchen or in a related culinary field.

  • Our combination of lectures and hands-on lab instruction create a comprehensive curriculum that allows students to receive an intensive entry-level culinary education in a short period of time.
  • Our commercial-grade kitchen offers a classroom laboratory, creating an efficient and enjoyable atmosphere in which to work, learn and dine.
  • We employ a talented faculty and staff that provide individual attention and instruction in a small group setting.
  • Real life opportunities are offered that allow students to reinforce the skills being taught in the classroom, while gaining experience in other areas ranging from catering to producing and serving food in large quantities for food-related events around the city, just to name a few.
  • Our proximity to Ft. Lauderdale affords students the opportunity to meet and work with a wide variety of local culinary talents.
  • In addition to our facilities, which include student resource areas, Internet access and quiet place study spaces, complimentary tutoring and personal advising is available to every student at their request.
  • Lifelong career placement support to provide career guidance for all graduates.

The hands-on learning and in-depth knowledge you will receive from the Entry-Level Culinary Arts program will raise the bar on your career possibilities. You can walk away with so many new skills – with so much more insight on culinary concepts, techniques, ingredients, and cuisines – you will wonder how you ever did without them. You will work in the Arc Culinary teaching kitchen with people who are serious and passionate about culinary arts and who share your commitment to personal and professional development. And you can do it all in approximately sixteen (16) weeks, so you can quickly put your education to work.

The Urban Mining warehouse offers a classroom laboratory, creating an efficient and enjoyable atmosphere in which to work and learn. We employ a talented instructor that provides individual attention and instruction in a small group setting. Real-life opportunities are offered that allow students to reinforce the skills being taught in the classroom while gaining experience in other areas ranging from recycling to testing/refurbishing electronics The program provides students the opportunity to:

  • Learn and practice the professional skills used in light industrial/warehouse/distribution/ retail settings including processing, sorting, demanufacturing, etc.
  • Learn and practice technical skills use in light industrial/warehouse/distribution/retail settings including use of technology to inventory and test product.
  • Gain experience in the proper use and maintenance of hand tools and warehouse equipment such as inventory systems, pallet jacks, etc.
  • Become familiar with the layout and workflow of a warehouse/distribution center/retail space.
  • Build skills as a member of a team.
  • Learn to communicate accurately and effectively.
  • Work professionally with customers.
  • Exercise safe working practices.
  • Develop a personal sense of professionalism necessary for working successfully.
  • Build upon academic and practice skills.

The Entry-Level Culinary Arts program educates students who are committed to a career in culinary arts industry and to help them achieve their potential through small class sizes and individualized instruction from a professional faculty and staff. Our combination of lectures and hands-on lab instruction creates a comprehensive curriculum that allows students to receive an intensive entry-level culinary education in a short period of time. Our commercial-grade kitchen offers a classroom laboratory, creating an efficient and enjoyable atmosphere in which to work and learn. We employ a talented instructor and culinary team that provides individual attention and instruction in a small group setting. Real-life opportunities are offered that allow students to reinforce the skills being taught in the classroom, while gaining experience in other areas ranging from catering to producing and serving food in large quantities for food-related events around the city, just to name a few.

Objectives: Our 420 hour certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the culinary field with the basic knowledge of the food service industry. The certificate program provides students the opportunity to:

  • Understand the principles of food identification and nutrition.
  • Learn and practice the professional skills used in food preparation and service.
  • Gain experience in the proper use and maintenance of professional knives, hand tools, and commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Become familiar with the layout and workflow of professional kitchens and restaurants.
  • Gain appreciation for the history, culture, and international diversity of the culinary arts.
  • Build skills as a member of a team.
  • Learn to communicate accurately and effectively.
  • Develop a personal sense of professionalism necessary for working successfully in the foodservice and hospitality industry.
  • Build upon academic and practice skills.

 

By the end of the Entry-Level Culinary Arts program, students must be able to demonstrate the following performance objectives:

  • Describe the principles of food identification and nutrition.
  • Demonstrate efficiency in applying professional skills used in food preparation and service.
  • Demonstrate the proper use and maintenance of professional knives, hand tools, and commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Navigate the layout and workflow of professional kitchens and restaurants.
  • Express an appreciation for the history, culture, and international diversity of the culinary arts.
  • Work as a member of a team and communicate accurately and effectively.
  • Obtain food handler safety certification.

 

We highly recommend a personal visit to our campus. We invite you to schedule an in-class observation and a tour of the school, as there is no substitute for meeting our Chefs and Instructor, to experience their instructional style up close and personal and speaking openly with students. Please contact the Arc Works Post-Secondary Specialist, at (954) 746-9400 for more information about our program.

Arc Broward, Inc. is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 – Toll Free Telephone Number (888) 224-6684 – Fax number (850) 245-3234.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed Application
  • Minimum age of 18 years old
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • A copy of a valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID
  • Admissions interview, on-site, with an admissions representative
  • Demonstrate a desire to work in the respective industry

How to Apply

Complete and sign the program application either manually or electronically and submit at least 15 business days prior to the session start date. Please note: a completed application does not guarantee admission or enrollment in the desired session.

Application Criteria and Processing

Once all admission materials have been submitted and are complete, the admissions committee meets to review the following factors:

  • Dedication and ability to complete all program requirements
  • Solid learning capabilities
  • Ability to work effectively in a small team
  • Integrity, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic
  • Commitment to pursuing a career in the culinary arts/food service industry

The Admissions Committee consists of the Instructor, Post-Secondary Specialist, Coordinator, and other staff as invited. The Admissions Committee will render its decision after the OEP/trial period is completed. Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their admission decision. If you do not receive notification within that time, please contact us via email at info@arcbrowardlearning.com.

Acceptance Process

Decisions from the Admissions Committee fall into three categories:

  1. Accept
    Students are notified verbally by the Post-Secondary Specialist with follow-up in writing by mail. To complete the enrollment process, the enrollment agreement must be completed, signed, and returned to the Post-Secondary Specialist.
  2. Deny
    Students are notified verbally by the Post-Secondary Specialist with follow-up in writing by mail. Students who have been denied admission to a program may contact the program for additional details. If appropriate, students may reapply to a future session.
  3. Waitlist
    Students are notified verbally by the Post-Secondary Specialist with follow-up in writing by mail. Students are waitlisted when a program session is full. If a space becomes available before the program session begins, waitlisted students will be notified and may choose to enroll. Since program inception there have been very few occasions when a waitlist was necessary. The majority of the time, we are able to accommodate all eligible applicants as they desire.

Occupational Experience Period (OEP)

The OEP is defined as a period prior to an official admission that assists the committee in determining the applicant’s presumed capability to complete the program, ability to withstand the rigors of the warehouse, and the propensity to learn the material. At the end of that period, the student will be given an official letter stating the decision of the admissions committee.

Download Application

Fees Information

The Entry-Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program is available for the cost of $6400, which includes all tuition, classroom and lab materials, and uniforms.

Fees must be paid by the assigned fee payment due date. Payment can be made with cash, check, credit/debit card.

Financial assistance and flexible payment plans are available to students who are eligible and qualify.

Financial Assistance

Other ways to finance your education include:

  • Students may be eligible to receive private funding through DOE/Vocational Rehabilitation DVR. In these cases, DVR determines eligibility and authorizes the services as an educational program.
  • Students may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through a contract that Arc Broward has with Broward County. In these circumstances, Arc Broward determines eligibility for these services.
  • Students may cover the cost of their tuition privately or through financial assistance that they secure independent of Arc Educates.

Scholarships

Awards of $100 to $4,500 are available, based on merit, number of eligible students, and need. A number of individual donors and companies in the community have generously provided our students with scholarships. Students may request a Scholarship application packet from the Director upon enrollment. These scholarships require: 1.) Acceptance to an Arc Educates program; 2.) Completion of the Scholarship application packet; 3.) Verification of U.S. residency; 4.) Submission of the individual or family’s most recent completed tax return. Packets must be submitted to the Director at least two (2) weeks prior to the session start date.