Training Programs > Hospitality

Culinary Arts

Potential earnings range:

$20,550-$36,857*

Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy cooking and making things with your hands? Are you adventurous when it comes to trying new foods and cuisines?

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Culinary Arts program.

On the job, you will ...

Work directly with food and beverages in the kitchen
Maintain a clean workspace, prepare raw ingredients for cooking, and assist with cooking and plating meals
Use a variety of commercial cooking equipment and tools
Develop new recipes, plan menus and maintain an ingredients inventory

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Culinary Arts graduates go to work full time in the food service industry, often for restaurants and catering services or for institutions such as schools, hospitals or cafeterias. You may be required to work during early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays.

Students should also consider pursuing the Advanced Culinary Arts, Advanced Culinary Arts – Pastry and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway.

The credentials you will earn ...

Individuals who complete the Culinary Arts program can earn industry-recognized credentials to become a Certified Culinarian, Certified Chef and other restaurant certifications. Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program.

What you’ll need to start training ...

A high school diploma or the equivalent (can all be earned at all Job Corps centers)
Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses
Passing scores on written and performance tests
Meet academic (math and reading) requirements

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Wilmington Job Corps Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

Gabe M.

Gabe M. Training Area: Culinary Arts Gabe had a hard time finding work until his twin sister told him about Job Corps. The skills he gained in Job Corps’ culinary arts program—cooking and baking techniques, calculating measurements, inspecting and cleaning food preparation areas, and more—are what inspired him to work in the culinary field and get to where he is today. He is now the youngest chef at a fish and steakhouse restaurant.

Joseph Rocchi

Joseph Rocchi has a degree in culinary arts and over 16 years of experience in the industry. He has worked as a chef in casinos, fine dining restaurants, health care food services, and as a consultant. Joseph was also the youngest and only Philadelphia-based chef to hold an executive position during the opening of Philadelphia’s two casinos.

Local Employer Listing

When it comes time to get a job, our staff will make sure you are connected with local employers. Wilmington Job Corps Certified Nursing Assistant grads have been hired by these featured companies and organizations: