Kitchen and Food Preparation Techniques

There will always be a demand for skilled cooks – simply put, people have to eat. A Kitchen and Food Preparation Techniques Certificate opens up a wide range of opportunities in the dynamic and diverse culinary industry, allowing graduates to pursue their passion for cooking while building rewarding and fulfilling careers

HGTC's Kitchen and Food Preparation Techniques Certificate program prepares students for employment in many arenas: restaurants, resorts, hotels, country clubs, healthcare facilities, catering operations, and more.

Program Information

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A minimum grade of C or better is required for all CUL, BKP and HOS-prefixed courses for progression and graduation. Most Kitchen and Food Preparation (CUL, BKP, HOS) courses are offered only once each year, so following the recommended course sequence is extremely important. Students are required to successfully complete one of the following: ServSafe Manager Food Safety Certification Course, ServSafe Sanitation Certificate, or CUL 104 Introduction to Culinary Arts course and first semester CUL courses before progressing to the second semester.

Student Resources

• Program Information and Cost
• Cost of Attendance
• Kitchen & Food Preparation Techniques Program Specific Cost
• FAQs

For more information, contact:
Joe Bonaparte - (843) 839-7004

Accreditation Status

The Culinary Arts program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Program Mission, Values, Goals & Objectives

Mission

The mission of the Culinary Arts Technology program:
The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach is committed to technical training and postsecondary education in culinary arts and the hospitality industry. Core values of continuous improvement, ethics and respect drive our department’s quest for culinary excellence, professionalism, innovation and peer recognition. We are dedicated to excellence in education through a learner-centered approach that fulfills the evolving needs of our students and the marketplace

Values

The school trains students for entry-level career opportunities related to the culinary/hospitality industry. We strive to provide an environment for students to become active learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, and ethical values which are necessary in the rapidly changing, culturally diverse hospitality professions. 

Goals

• Delivering hands-on culinary education by faculty who exhibit excellence in teaching and have significant, related industry experience.
• Enhancing the department’s effectiveness by promoting open communications, and teamwork among faculty and students.
• Holding both faculty and students to the highest standards for work delivered.
• Graduating students that will be capable of contributing positively to a team, providing quality products and services in a safe, sanitary, professional and cost-effective manner.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Prepare standardized recipes using a variety of cooking, baking and pastry techniques as well as appropriate equipment and tools.
• Produce various baked goods and a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic as well as advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards.
• Design, produce, assemble and decorate display and wedding cakes using various finishing methods which meet industry quality standards.
• Describe and perform tasks related to common business practices within the foodservice industry including inventory, menu planning, cost control and food purchasing.
• Seek employment in retail, commercial and institutional food service settings in entry-level job positions.

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

More people are dining out than ever, so the market for prep cooks with strong skills and hands-on experience is strong. HGTC's Prep Cook Certificate graduates will find employment in the following areas:

• Country Clubs
• Restaurants
• Hotels and Resorts
• Health Care Facilities

For more information about careers, visit  for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources. 

Students who complete this certificate are eligible for ServSafe certification.

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules