Diploma
Certificates
The Culinary Arts program prepares students to assume positions as culinary professionals in a variety of food service settings:
- Full-service restaurants
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Clubs
- Catering operations
- Contract food services
- Health facilities
With experience, graduates may advance to positions such as sous chef, executive chef or food services manager.
The program emphasizes professionalism and features both theory and extensive hands-on training to build skills. Instructors have a range of culinary experience and education, and classes provide a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. So, students can gain the knowledge and skills to compete in the job market and meet industry demands.
Entry-level classes are offered every semester, so students can start anytime, and daytime and evening classes are available to fit busy schedules.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Culinary Arts program can attend an information session. Upcoming sessions are scheduled as follows:
- July 14, 12 p.m.
- August 12, 12 p.m.
All sessions are in person, last about one hour and are held in Flavors restaurant, on the lower level of Building L (Student Services Building) on Southern Wake Campus.
Accreditation and certification
Wake Tech's Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the largest professional association of chefs in the nation. Graduates of ACF-accredited degree, diploma or certificate programs are eligible to receive a Certified Culinarian® or Certified Pastry Cook certification. No fees or separate exams are required for the certifications.
Graduates must provide a final transcript verifying graduation and documentation of ACF membership. Certificate/diploma graduates must also document one year of entry-level work experience to receive certification. Application and documentation must be submitted within one year of graduation.
Any student in the Culinary Arts program has the option of becoming a junior member of the North Carolina chapter of ACF. As a paid junior member, they automatically receive certification upon graduation. They can attend monthly meetings regardless of membership status. Check the bulletin board for dates, times and locations.
For questions about the ACF or Triangle Chefs Association, contact Department Head Aaron Stumb.
Career Outlook
Professional licensure
Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.
