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HOTEL, CULINARY AND TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Minor Award Certificate in Culinary Arts (Intensive programme)

What is Certificate in Culinary Arts (Intensive programme)

This programme is designed to be delivered as a one year immersion programme, integrating theory and practice. It was originally developed, in conjunction with the French Culinary Institute in New York, to provide a relevant professional qualification for those who wish to embark on a career in Culinary Arts.

This premier programme offers high quality, hands-on education where both theory and practical elements are delivered in both a college and industry environment. As part of the programme, participants work in industry in a professional kitchen two days per week and attend the Institute three days.

Why study Certificate in Culinary Arts (Intensive programme) at IT, Tralee?

IT, Tralee is located within the premier tourism hub of Ireland, which facilitates strong industry links and a professional network of employment opportunities. The college boasts a self-contained Hotel, Culinary and Tourism Department, with five modern kitchens; purpose built demonstration kitchen theatre, a training restaurant and bar. A key strength of the department is the staff to student ratio which creates a supportive learning environment. All staff come from a varied food industry background, which provides the opportunity to link both the theory and practice of culinary arts.

The department also offers a number of unique scholarship exchange programmes, which brings an international dimension to this programme.

What are my career opportunities

The programme will allow students to develop their career in the following areas:

• Professional chef;
• Pastry/confectionary/sugar craft;
• Food product development;
• Culinary arts;
• Kitchen management;
• Food safety consultancy.

These opportunities are available in areas across the food industry, such as:

• Restaurants, cafés, bistros;
• Hotels and resorts;
• Industrial and contract catering - airlines, hospitals, schools;
• Cruise liners;
• Food manufacturing and processing;
• Licensed trade.

Other Information

Many past graduates gained full time employment following the programme in their respective work based learning establishments and some have opened their own successful food businesses such as coffee and pastry shops and some have also become artisan food producers.

Students are also afforded the opportunity to partake in both national and international familiarisation trips, food industry competitions, and are introduced to many industry experts through guest lecturers within the programme.

Progression Level 6

Graduates who have successfully completed the Minor Award – Certificate in Culinary Arts (Intensive programme) may progress onto Year 2 of the Higher Certificate (Level 6) or BA (Level 7) in Arts in Culinary Arts (Level 6) with relevant exemptions and where places are available at IT, Tralee.