Culinary Arts
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 Dayton 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.

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Mary A. King
Mary A. King serves as the Culinary Arts instructor at Dayton Job Corps Center. She has over 30 years’ experience in culinary arts working in private clubs, hotels and resorts, and corporate environments, including Walt Disney World. Mary earned a dual associate degree from Sinclair Community College in culinary arts and hospitality management, a bachelor’s degree in business management from Sullivan University and a master’s degree in leadership from Belhaven University. She is currently working on her doctorate in business management at Belhaven University. She is well-traveled and uses her background to help train and develop culinarians for advancement in the culinary industry.