Train For Growing Hospitality, Culinary Industries At Tri-C
Culinary students at Cuyahoga Community College's Eastern Campus gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art kitchen. A new facility is scheduled to open in October 2010 on Public Square.
The travel, tourism and food industries are on the rise in Northeast Ohio and nationwide. As Cleveland plans for a casino, medical mart and convention center, the new venues will increase the employment opportunities for individuals with culinary and hospitality management experience.
In the region, employment in food preparation and hospitality occupations is expected to grow 8.3 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Employment of chefs and head cooks is expected to grow 4.2 percent. For those working as restaurant managers and supervisors, 8.3 percent growth is expected. And, projected growth of 12.9 and 8.3 percent is expected for meeting and convention planners and hotel managers respectively.
Cuyahoga Community College offers associate’s degree and certificate programs in hospitality management. Individuals earn Associate of Applied Business degrees with an emphasis in restaurant and food service management, culinary arts or lodging and tourism management.
Courses are currently available at the College’s Metropolitan and Eastern campuses. In 2009, Tri-C opened a new, state-of-the-art kitchen on the Eastern Campus in Highland Hills, featuring both a teaching and demonstration kitchen with the latest cooking and baking technologies.
Slated for an October 2010 opening, the Hospitality Management Center at Public Square will feature cutting-edge kitchens and high-tech classrooms. In addition to hospitality management programs, the Center will offer accelerated and international business courses.
The accredited hospitality management programs incorporate classroom instruction and hands-on experience. For instance, culinary arts students put their classroom learning into practice operating a full-service restaurant on campus.
The programs prepare students for entry-level supervisory positions in restaurants, clubs, kitchens, front-of-the-house, sales and convention and banquet planning.
In addition to credit courses, Tri-C offers Community and Continuing Education opportunities for all age groups. Participants enhance their skills in culinary arts, languages, dance, photography and more. Courses offered at the Hospitality Management Center will include international cuisine, super foods, entertaining, desserts from around the world and culinary techniques.
With the addition of about 350,000 new jobs in the hospitality industry through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is a great option for individuals looking to enter or transition in the workforce.
For more information on the hospitality management programs at Cuyahoga Community College, call 216-987-4081. For information on the Community and Continuing Education courses at Tri-C, call 216-987-2260.