With plenty of food festivals and 5-star restaurants, Ohio is a culinary city where some of the best chefs are trained and established. Ohio cooking schools are some of the most reputable institutions in the country, and can provide the culinary education you need to start your career. Whether you’re undergrad or seasoned cook looking to learn new cuisines, Ohio cooking schools can equip you with relevant training to conquer the food industry.
Finding a School in Ohio
The level and quality of training you need is up to you. Ohio cooking schools range from renowned culinary institutes to technical colleges that can fast-track your career. Many of these institutions provide excellent kitchen facilities to help you get acquainted with your future work environment. In addition to classroom education, there are also many internship opportunities and apprenticeships you can apply for to take garner valuable work experience.
The Local Scene and Cuisine
Whether you plan on working in Ohio after your studies or elsewhere, the local scene forms an integral part of your learning process. Make an effort to learn local cuisines, introduce yourself to star chefs, study local ingredients and attend culinary events. Learning more about local culture and the top players in Ohio’s food industry will give you a leg up in terms of employment and career advancement.
Here are some of the best Food and Wine festivals you can attend to enhance your education and skills:
- Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville
- Taste of Cincinnati
- Cleveland Wine Festival
- Taste of Cleveland
- National Hamburger Festival in Akron
Finding a Job in Ohio
When looking for an institution, search for Ohio cooking schools that provide accredited programs, kitchen facilities, internships, apprenticeships and ongoing career support. These resources are very important as they can be determining factors on the kind of job you can have after completing your studies. Do not, however, rely solely on the school curriculum to open doors for you. You should network with professionals on a regular basis to make contacts that can help you in future.
When you go job-hunting, it is advisable to begin your search in growing cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus. These cities are filled with culinary job opportunities for graduates looking for entry level and management positions. Salaries vary according to a number of factors, including level of training, practical experience and type of employer.
Top Ohio Cooking Schools
There are two prestigious Ohio cooking schools to note. The Art Institute of Ohio is home to the International Culinary School. This school boasts top kitchen facilities and is well-affiliated with organizations like the Food Network. The other is the Columbus Culinary Institute. While the former specializes in degree programs, the latter offers short 20-month training programs for fast entry into the job market.
Other Ohio Cooking Schools include:
- Ashland University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Akron
- Columbus State Community College
- Bradford School
- Hocking Technical College
- Kent State University
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College
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