BCC introduces new culinary apprenticeship program / iBerkshires.com

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is announcing a new culinary apprenticeship program that combines classroom and teaching kitchen instruction with professional work in the field. The certification program begins this fall and applications are now being accepted.

Student apprentices are paid, and thanks to the Commonwealth’s MassEducate program, students of all ages can qualify for free tuition and fees.

The Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Program combines hands-on training with systematic supplemental education, combining classroom instruction and kitchen instruction with professional work in the field. After seven weeks of foundation courses, focusing on basic culinary skills, students will apply their knowledge and receive further practical training while working professionally with BCC’s educational partners.

Successful graduates of the program will receive the industry-recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certificate and will be prepared to work in a wide range of food service employment opportunities, from school cafeterias and hospital kitchens to restaurants and private homes.

“The culinary apprenticeship program is a great way to earn a certificate quickly and be ready to enter the workforce with real-world, hands-on experience,” said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. “By working with professionals in the field, our students can learn from the best in the business and can fill a need in the Berkshires. Even better, apprentices are paid and the program can be completely free. We encourage everyone to enroll.”

Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to demonstrate professional knife skills, properly select and use kitchen equipment and hand tools, maintain food safety and kitchen sanitation requirements, understand basic preparation techniques for a variety of foods, manage the production of simple baked goods, and participate in a fast-paced professional kitchen environment, among other skills.

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