Workforce Continuing Education
College Opens New Kitchen Lab to Boost Hospitality Training
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 6, 2023) – Wake Tech has a new option for Wake County residents who want to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
The college celebrated its new Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) Kitchen Lab with a special grand opening on Wednesday. The kitchen features more than 900 square feet of baking and cooking equipment, including a large mixer, a butcher block countertop, double ovens, a grill, and a four-burner range. There is also a coffee station with an espresso machine to train baristas and an area for bartending instruction.
The WCE Kitchen Lab allows Wake Tech to offer a variety of short-term, non-degree courses in culinary arts, baking and hospitality. The six- to eight-week courses provide high-quality, low-cost instruction that lead to industry certifications.
Previously, the college relied on community partners that generously shared their kitchens to accommodate classes.
"We are excited to have our own space to train students for employment," said Sameer Pawa, director of Hospitality Training Programs. "The goal of this kitchen is jobs, jobs, jobs!"
The WCE Kitchen Lab will be bustling with activity when several courses begin this month, including Beginners Baking & Pastry Arts, Basic Culinary & Restaurant Fundamentals and Barista and Café Training. Bilingual courses will also be offered beginning next year. For more information and to register, visit the Hospitality Certification page. Scholarships may be available.
"We want to reach as many students as possible and give them the skills they need for in-demand jobs in the Triangle," said Lonette Mims, dean of Occupational Services.
The Kitchen Lab is located at Wake Tech's Public Safety Education Campus in Raleigh. The campus offers a variety of accelerated non-degree courses, including Barbering and Nurse Aide, in addition to training for law enforcement, corrections officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.
