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New Castle County Vo-Tech
Public and Consumer Services » Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts

Overview

The Culinary Arts Program helps students learn how to cook, bake, and work in restaurants. Students learn the skills needed to prepare food, serve guests, and run a kitchen. They work alone and in teams to practice what it's like in a real restaurant.

The food service industry is one of the biggest job fields in the U.S. There are many career options—like cook, baker, pastry chef, waiter, or restaurant manager. In 12th grade, some students may work at real jobs through co-op programs. Students can also earn college credits and national certifications.

 

What You’ll Learn

  • How to cook, bake, and decorate desserts

  • How to serve food and run a dining room

  • How to follow food safety rules

  • How to work in a kitchen team

  • How to act professionally at work

Hands-On Experience

Students learn in a real kitchen setting. They cook meals, bake bread and desserts, and serve food to others. They also learn how to work with a team, solve problems, and meet real job standards. Some students may work in restaurants or bakeries during their senior year.

 

Certification

Students can earn:

  • ServSafe Manager – a food safety certification

  • ProStart Certificate (Level 1 & 2) – a national cooking and restaurant certificate

These help students get jobs and prepare for more training after high school

Employment Opportunities

Jobs you can get in senior year or after graduation:

  • Cook

  • Baker

  • Waiter/Waitress

  • Food prep worker

  • Junior kitchen worker

Jobs that need 2–4 more years of training:

  • Chef or Sous Chef

  • Pastry Chef

  • Executive Chef

  • Restaurant or Hotel Manager

  • Food Stylist

  • Food Safety Consultant

  • Nutrition Host

 

Earning Potential Range:

Students in this field can earn between $31,700 and $120,000 a year, depending on the job and experience.
 

Locations:

School Emblem Instructors:
Delcastle Technical High School emblem with academic symbols and year 1969. Instructors:
DELCASTLE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Thomas Craft

Mr. Paul Egnor
Hodgson emblem featuring an eagle and various symbols of learning. Instructors:
HODGSON VOTECH HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Scott Cave

Mr. Gerald Allen, Jr
Howard High School crest with a flame and athletics imagery. Instructors:
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Gary James

Mr. Michael Mullen
St. Georges Technical emblem displaying various technical symbols. Instructors:
ST. GEORGES TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Ralph Freeman

Mr. Kirk Clemens