Wisconsin is a crock pot of many culinary influences. From German-inspired cuisine to Italian flavors, the state’s food culture is diverse and dynamic. With its fair share of top Wisconsin cooking schools and booming food industry, it is one of the best places for culinary students to learn, live and work. Regardless of which position you would like to occupy in the food service industry, you can find great programs that provide excellent training and an exciting learning experience.
Finding a Culinary School in Wisconsin
From universities to technical colleges, there are many Wisconsin cooking schools that offer the programs you need. Define which skills will be valuable in your field and search for courses that meet those needs. Some schools offer bachelor and associate degrees, which are beneficial if you need a broader curriculum. Other institutions offer certificate programs and workshops, which focus on teaching you fundamental culinary skills within a short period of time.
It is important to check if the school you’re interested in can provide the resources needed for culinary training. Institutions, regardless of your level of study, should have:
- Student-run facilities and equipped kitchens for practical work
- Instructors who are also professionals in their fields
- Internships and apprenticeship opportunities you can apply to while studying
- Career counseling to help you define your goals
- Job placement help from the institution
Wisconsin Local Scene and Cuisine
To make the most of your education, you should enquire about and participate in local culture. Students can learn much in this state’s local food scene and learn skills that will complement their training. By tasting local dishes, taking note of influences, meeting chefs and networking, students can find out more about the job market they are going to be part of in future.
Wisconsin is famous for its culinary diversity. The state is an important producer of dairy products and local chefs are not shy to include game and fresh fish in their dishes. It also has a string of ethnic restaurants where students can sample traditional German, Italian, Polish and Norwegian cuisine. With a local food community that has so much to offer, there are many learning opportunities for aspiring chefs.
Job Opportunities in Wisconsin
After completing your training at Wisconsin cooking schools, you will be qualified to work in the state’s thriving market. Cities like Milwaukee, Green Bay and Madison are homes to many restaurants and hospitality businesses. This means there is no shortage of work and new graduates can use them as a launching pad for their careers.
Wisconsin also hosts a number of events that give new chefs an opportunity to display their culinary skills. Local festivals are great places to network and meet potential employers. Use them to make contacts and access inside information from important industry players. Events include:
- The Morel Mushroom Festival
- U.S Championship Cheese Contest
- Food for Thought Festival
- The Warrens Cranberry Festival
Best Wisconsin Cooking Schools
Wisconsin cooking schools range from state universities to technical institutions. Review the programs offered to see which suit your career goals best.
- University of Wisconsin Stout
- Bryant and Stratton College
- Wisconsin Technical College
- Blackhawk Technical College
- Lakeland College
- Madison Area Technical College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Viterbo College in La Crosse
maricor says
I’m a house partner of my boyfriend I want to learn more skills of cooking.