Mid-State to debut new Culinary Arts program
By Patrick Lynn
Mid-State Technical College plans to launch a Culinary Arts degree program in the fall.
The program addresses a “growing local demand for skilled kitchen professionals in the restaurant industry,” according to the school, and will debut in a new culinary teaching space at the Wisconsin Rapids campus.
Applications are now being accepted for the 60-credit associate degree, which will prepare students to provide professional chef and related cooking services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments.
The program is designed for individuals who may already be employed and looking to advance their current skill level or for those wishing to enter the field and begin their pathway in the industry.
“Central Wisconsin’s restaurant industry continues to tell us about the need for a culinary arts program,” said Hospitality Management Instructor Paul Kennedy. “It’s exciting to be able to expand our hospitality offerings to meet that need while also giving students a strong foundation to support their path to a satisfying career in the industry that offers many rewards.”
The program includes recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking of foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, the management of food supplies and kitchen resources, aesthetics of food presentation, and familiarity with or mastery of a wide variety of cuisines and culinary techniques.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the foodservice and restaurant industry. Hands-on activities include opportunities to apply culinary skills and plan menus, plan events, produce sales and marketing projects, draft budgets, practice effective management and customer service and participate in an industry-related internship.
According to Kennedy, the new program combines hybrid/online courses with in-person practical training and practice in the school’s on-campus learning kitchen, service cafeteria, and dining room. It also includes opportunities to earn industry-recognized ServSafe Food Manager, ServSafe Alcohol, and Manage First Professional certifications.
For more information, visit mstc.edu/programs or contact Missy Skurzewski-Servant at 715-422-5356 or by email at [email protected].
