Professional Foods
Imagine Yourself...
Baking bread and making desserts
Preparing complete restaurant quality meals
Testing recipes and creating your own menu items
Having an advantage when applying for jobs at local restaurants
Owning and running your own restaurant
In This Program...
Students are exposed to the restaurant industry as they rotate through CTE's bakeshop, Cafe and professional kitchens while learning service management and food production. This program allows students to combine hands-on experience with theoretical instruction while operating the student run restaurant and bakeshop. Additional emphasis is placed on sound nutrition and eating habits as well as professionalism in the workplace. The program is further strengthened through cooperative partnerships and internships with local food service operations.
The Professional Foods Program provides multiple pathways to postsecondary education and careers within the hospitality industry.
Additionally...
Students gain experience working in the program restaurant - The Cafe & Bakery at CTE
Receive Industry Recongnized Credential through ServSafe
Participate in a Career Work Experience at a local restaurant
Earn Dual Enrollment Credit through New England Culinary Institute
Learn essential life skills
Advisory Committee
The Centor for Technology has long standing partnerships with businesses and industry leaders through program advisory committees. The goal of these committees is to ensure that CTE's programs are meeting and exceeding industry standards. Advisory Committees meet twice per year. Posted below are the most recent minutes.
Email John Barton, Chef - 1st Year
Email Mat Zimmerman, Chef - Bakeshop
Email Heidi McLaughlin, CTE Counseling Coordinator
Email Jamie Paterson, Co-op Coordinator
Program Time 10:05 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Phone: (802) 879-5595
High School Credits Earned
1st Year
Math (1 credit)
English (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
Electives (3 credits)
2nd Year
Math (1 credit)
English (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
Electives (3 credits)
Post-Secondary Industry- Recognized Credentials
Certified ServSafe Food Handler
Dual Enrollment
College credits (3 per course) are available through local Vermont colleges. Motivated students who take advantage of dual enrollment can acquire a full semester towards their college degree.
Career Work Experiences
Work-based learning, school-to-work cooperative opportunities, and apprenticeship for students are available with many of CTE's local partnering businesses such as: Sodexo (Champlain College, UVM, and St. Michael's), Mirabelles, Hotel Vermont, Essex Resort & Spa, West Meadow Bakery, Zachary's Pizza, and Pioneer Lake Shore Cafe.
What's Next / Employment in the field
All students have the opportunity to participate in a Career Work experience with a local business. Work-based learning and school-to-work cooperative opportunities and apprenticeships are an important part of the Professional Foods program and offer students an insight into working in the field.
Students who complete either Professional Foods 1 or 2 programs may go on to advance their training at a culinary institute, continue their education at a college or university or seek employment in the restaurant and hospitality industry.