Davis Technical College is training students to navigate the complexities of the food service industry through its Culinary Arts program, which offers hands-on instruction in diverse kitchen applications. The 15-month program, which requires 30 credit hours, focuses on mastering techniques ranging from knife skills to pastry arts to prepare graduates for high-demand roles in restaurants, hotels, and catering operations.
Comprehensive Culinary Training
The curriculum provides a foundational education in both theory and practical application. Students undergo intensive training in several core areas, including knife skills, classical cuts, and the use of common kitchen equipment. According to the college, the coursework covers a wide spectrum of food preparation, including breakfast foods, soups, sauces, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, grains, legumes, fruits, yeast breads, quick breads, desserts, cakes, and pastries.
Beyond cooking, the program emphasizes essential business and safety skills. Students study culinary math, focusing on yield formulas and baker percentages, and learn critical food safety regulations, including Hazard Analyses Critical Control Point (HACCP) and First In, First Out (FIFO) practices. This comprehensive training is designed to help students manage the stresses of a fast-paced kitchen environment.
High School Pathways
The college offers different pathways for different learners, including specific provisions for high school students. High schoolers can earn both high school and college credit by attending classes on campus or at a local high school. While tuition is free for high school students, they are expected to cover program fees, materials, and a $40 high school fee.
Students who begin their studies during high school have the option to continue their program tuition-free after graduation through the High-School Senior Scholarship. Graduates of the program are prepared for various roles, such as restaurant cooks, with the college providing career placement services to assist with resume development, interview support, and soft skill development.
Program Costs and Supplies
The financial commitment for the program varies depending on the student's status. For adult students, the estimated cost of attendance is $3,084, which includes tuition, fees, and course materials. For high school students, the estimated cost is $274.
Specific course costs reflect the specialized nature of the training. For example, Culinary I is listed at $285 for three credits, while introductory courses like Sanitation and Safety and Introduction to Culinary Arts are $95 for one credit each. Students are also responsible for various supplies, such as a chef coat, checkered chef pants, and slip-resistant shoes.
Campus Resources and Certifications
The Davis Tech campus provides various resources to support student success, including the Culinary Cafe. The cafe operates Monday through Friday, with regular hours from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and specific breakfast and lunch grill hours.
Additionally, the college provides access to the CARES Center for mental health and community resources, as well as a bookstore for required materials. Upon completing applicable courses, students have the opportunity to take certification exams, such as the Serv Safe Certificate or a Davis County Food Handler Permit.
Educational Context
The Culinary Arts program is part of the broader School of Service Professions at Davis Technical College, which also includes programs in Cosmetology, Master Esthetician, and Nail Technician. The program is designed to help students transition into high-wage, high-demand careers through specialized instruction and professional preparation.
