Looking to boost the tourism industry and help more residents add hands-on training experience to their resumes in order to find work, the U.S. Department of Commerce will invest $2.4 million to expand Hawaii's culinary arts programs. The money will be used to expand the training facilities at the Culinary Institute of Pacific of Honolulu on the Diamond Head campus of Kapiolani Community College. Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank said the investment is an example of the Administration's commitment to the nation's tourism industry and will create 500 new jobs. "Yesterday, the Commerce Department reported that international visitors spent an estimated $14 billion on travel to and tourism-related activities within the U.S. during April," Blan noted. "This investment in the Institute will not only help us maintain that record-setting pace, but also will provide workers and entrepreneurs in Hawaii with the skills they need to attract new customers, start their own businesses, and obtain higher-paying jobs." People interested in a career in the culinary arts may want to take an aptitude test to determine if they have the skills necessary to work in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for chefs and head cooks will be best for those with formal training from a technical school or 4-year college. |