Culinary Arts (CART) offers a wide range of career opportunities for those who enjoy preparing exciting cuisines and have an eye toward business ventures.  This comprehensive program prepares students for positions in the rapidly-growing food service industry. The students’ education is enhanced by participating in various catering projects and the operation of our full-service restaurant ---- these hands-on learning experiences help students refine table service and dining room management techniques. Career opportunities in restaurants, resorts, country clubs, hotels and motels as well as on cruise ships and airlines are abundant.  According to the National Restaurant Association, the food service industry is expecting job growth due to lifestyle trends.

The Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) CART program offers the prestigious American Culinary Federation Foundation (ACFF) Accrediting Commission certification which meets the professional standards for culinary education.  As an ACFF Certified Secondary Program, the ICTC CART program offers a certification which is a valuable credential awarded to qualifying seniors after a rigorous evaluation of professional education experiences and after thorough testing.

Sanitation is one of the most important areas of concern in the restaurant industry today.  The ServSafe course provides students information on the sanitary aspects of handling food including receiving, storing, preparation and serving.  Upon successful completion of the ServSafe test, students will receive a ServSafe certification and will automatically become a member of the International Food Safety Council.         

Planned Courses

• Introduction to Hospitality and Foodservice Industry
• Sanitation and Safety
• Business and Math Skills
  
• Food Preparation
  
• Garde Manager
  
• Basic Baking
  
• Purchasing, Receiving, Inventory and Storage
  
• Nutrition
  
• Dining Room Service
  
• Menu Planning
  
• Human Relations Skills

Academic Courses (Recommended & Required for Program of Study)

• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Biology
• Chemistry

Advanced Standing

• Westmoreland County Community College
• Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Dual Enrollment opportunities with PA Highlands Community College

Career Opportunities

• Cook
  
• Pastry Chef
  
• Kitchen Helper
  
• Food Service Manager*
  
• Chef*
  
• Baker

*Post-secondary education require