Denver has a growing culinary scene that is meeting the demands of its growing population with many new restaurants and food markets opening constantly! The latest season of Top Chef was filmed right here in Denver! To meet the growing needs of the many new restaurants opening, new cooks need to be trained. High School students can choose one of many culinary/hospitality programs offered in the Rocky Mountain area. The many culinary programs nearby include; Johnson and Wales University, Metropolitan State University, Front Range Community College, Red Rocks Community College, Colorado Mountain College, and Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
But do you have to go to culinary school? With this huge demand for culinary talent in the Denver area, Emily Griffith Technical College has developed a free “Culinary Quick Start” program. Students can train for four weeks for an entry level position in a professional kitchen. The training also includes the ServSafe Food Handler’s Certification. You can also go the old school route. Chefs will always train the right person to work in their kitchen. If you are dependable, on time, work hard, and take the initiative you’ve got a job with endless possibilities!
Most recently I started a new ProStart program at Westminster High School. I also teach as needed as an Affiliate Chef Instructor at Metropolitan State University. There I have taught Food Fundamentals and Food Science to Hospitality Students. Teaching students basic method and technique is my passion. If they master the basics, they can create anything. I began my Masters in Information and Learning Technologies program at the University of Colorado the Summer 2017. My projected graduation date is December 2018. I love learning more about how to incorporate technology in the classroom and kitchen.
