Enrollment in Camden County College's Culinary/Restaurant Program in Gloucester Township Now Open

Anyone who dreams of being the next Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis or Rachael Ray or who wants to find their own niche in the food world can prepare to do so by enrolling in Camden County College culinary arts/restaurant operations training by Oct. 30.

The 10-month program includes 420 hours of classroom and hands-on learning in front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house operations. Technical preparation is emphasized, and all instruction is provided by industry experts who have a wealth of practical knowledge.

Each spring semester, students enrolled in the program gain real-world experience by staffing the Blackwood Bistro. This pop-up, sit-down restaurant serves a five-course, fine-dining experience – featuring gourmet selections such as filet of beef in burgundy wine sauce, broiled salmon in lemon dill sauce and veal cordon bleu -- one night per week from January to June.

A key feature of the program is that graduates receive a ServSafe certificate from the National Restaurant Association. This industry-standard certification addresses issues such as food-borne illnesses, personal hygiene, pest control, regulations and equipment as well as safety principles such as how pathogenic organisms cause contamination and the sanitary selection, preservation, thawing and storing of food.

Students who complete the program are prepared for entry-level employment in the culinary field, the restaurant industry or food service and have a great foundation upon which to add additional studies in a food or hospitality specialty area. Graduates typically earn an average starting salary of $32,000 to $40,000 per year.

Camden County College’s culinary/restaurant course charges the same tuition for both in-county and out-of-county residents, the overall cost is less than half of what similar programs cost at local trade schools and payment plans are available. No placement exams are required for enrollment.

Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. They take place in Halpern Hall on CCC’s Blackwood Campus in Gloucester Township.

For questions or to enroll, contact Terri Campagna or Kaina Hanna at (856) 874-6004 or tradetraining@camdencc.edu.