Culinary Students are Certified
Culinary Arts students recently earned certifications that not only represent months of hard work and hands-on learning, but also the opportunity to make themselves more employable in the food service industry. Instructor Chef Heidi Rocha explains: “In total we had 11 first year students earn the ServSafe Manager Certificate. This does not include the three second-year students who certified last year. Also, the entire class (26 students) earned the ServSafe Allergens certificate. The certificates are very important because the State of Michigan requires all food service businesses to have at least one person on staff who has the ServSafe Manager Certificate and the ServSafe Allergens Certificate. Typically, these are owners and managers, so when an entry-level employee has the certificate, it gives them a much higher chance for employment. I have seen several students over the years get hired just because of having one or both certificates. Students may also earn articulated college credit for sanitation courses at colleges with Culinary and Foodservice programs.”