IRSC STUDENTS COMPLETE CULINARY ARTS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Two Indian River State College students recently completed IRSC's Culinary Arts Apprenticeship program at the Chastain Campus in Stuart. As Martin County School District Foodservice Managers, Catherine Uzar, (age 50) of Palm City, and Susan Thomas (age 47), of Indiantown, successfully completed all the requirements in the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship program and both are also pursuing an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Restaurant Management.

IRSC Culinary Arts apprentices benefit from paid hands-on experience in some of the region's finest restaurants, institutions, and country clubs. Upon graduation, students are prepared for certification from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as cooks or pastry cooks. Students complete nine courses over 36 months covering such topics as safety and sanitation, nutrition, cost control, equipment operation, supervision and creative cooking.

In addition to the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship program, IRSC also offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Restaurant Management. Graduates of the A.A.S. Degree program are ready for employment as hands-on managers, who can cook delicious and nutritious meals as well as manage a restaurant or supervise an institutional kitchen. Students can choose between two options within the degree program. Those who specialize in the Commercial Culinary Arts option gain a firm foundation in food and beverage cost control, purchasing, and quantity food production. Those who major in Institutional Food Service participate in practicums to gain real-world experience. All students are involved in internships at area restaurants. IRSC also offers the Culinary Institute of the Treasure Coast at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

Tuition assistance is available. For more information on IRSC Culinary Arts programs, contact the IRSC Call Center at 1-866-792-4772.