With the economy beginning to show signs of a rebound and tourism on the rise, the restaurant and hospitality industries are looking to increase staffing. Now, Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) in Melfa, Virginia, is offering a two semester course for people interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts and food preparation. The college said that the non-credited program called "Cooking Up a Career" will consist of 100 hours of practical study to help prepare students for immediate entry-level work in restaurants and the foods service industry. Coursework will include basic food preparation and hygiene and safety standards. Upon completion, students will hold a certificate in food safety from the National Restaurant Association. School officials told the Eastern Shore Daily Times that it added the food prep program after identifying "growth industries" for the region. The program is set to begin September 20 and will run through April 2012. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for chefs, head cooks and food preparation and serving supervisors are expected to grow 6% through the end of the decade. |