Wyoming is known as a rustic, refreshing state with long, scenic landscapes. It is a favorite destination for visitors in need of time away from bustling cities. With tourists from around the globe travelling to this holiday hideout every year, the demand for fine-dining experiences and local cuisine is on the rise. As a culinary student, there are a handful of dedicated Wyoming cooking schools that offer exceptional training and employment opportunities for new graduates.
Finding a Culinary School in Wyoming
Although there are not a lot of cooking schools in Wyoming, the few that are available are committed to giving students high quality training. You can earn any type of qualification from a certificate to a bachelor’s degree. Students are often encouraged to study for bachelor and associate degrees because of employment opportunities. However, certificates are also valuable if you need to learn a particular set of skills in a short space of time.
For Wyoming cooking schools, theory is just as important as practical work. This is why most programs combine classroom teaching with practice in the kitchen. These schools often have student-run establishments to help you put your newly acquired skills to the test. To ensure you are receiving the best education, make sure schools have:
- Kitchens with modern equipment
- Professional teachers and instructors
- Job placement and career guidance
- Internships, apprenticeships and student-run establishments
Wyoming Local Scene and Cuisine
One of the best things about Wyoming is that there is opportunity for new chefs to make their mark in the industry. Cities like Jackson and Laramie are always in need of adventurous chefs who will create new dishes with the selection of fresh ingredients in the area. Wyoming also plays host to a few festivals and competitions, which are great platforms students can use to apply their school education.
Attending food festivals and eating local cuisine has many benefits. Not only can you learn the kind of dishes that local residents enjoy, you can also learn how professional chefs use available ingredients to cook interesting dishes. Food festivals give students a chance to network with employers and top chefs, as well as make contacts that can be very valuable in future.
Festivals and other local events popular in Wyoming include:
- Wyoming Brewer’s Festival
- Jackson Hole Summer Mountain Festival
Job Opportunities in Wyoming
Training at Wyoming cooking schools is the best first step you can make towards your culinary career. After graduation, you have an opportunity of landing a job at one of the major cities. Cities hungry for new chefs include Jackson, Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne. Graduates have the opportunity of working their way up to great positions of head chef, sous chef, line cook, banquet chef and caterer.
To stay up to date with vacancies, consider getting a membership for the American Culinary Federation. Other associations include the Research Chefs Association and the Women’s Chefs and Restaurateurs organization. Becoming a member can open up a world of information about opportunities and connect you to high profile players in the food industry.
Best Wyoming Cooking Schools
- The Wyoming Culinary Institute
- University of Wyoming
- Central Wyoming College
- Wyoming Community and Technical College
- Sheridan College
- Northwest College
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