Feb. 13, 2025
Ah…food. The tantalizing smells, textures, colors and tastes of cuisine are a joy shared around the world. Career opportunities abound for people with culinary skills. You can gain an exceptional education in this high-growth field through the Culinary Arts program at Grand Rapids Community College.
“The culinary arts encompass many different career paths,” said Dr. Werner Absenger, program director of GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. “You could pursue a passion for cooking as a chef or indulge your love for sweets as a pastry chef. But there are also many other career opportunities. ‘Front of house’ positions, such as hotel manager or food and beverage manager, also require a degree with hands-on experience.”
GRCC’s Culinary Arts program has thrived since the 80s. In fact, the program has been accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation since almost its inception. More than that, it is accredited with exemplary status, meaning that it is a model for how other institutions should aspire to educate their students.
“Our faculty is highly regarded,” Absenger said. “They all know their stuff. Most of them have advanced degrees and personal experience. They know the industry and engage in continuous learning as well.”
For example, Chef Holly possesses a master’s degree and also is a certified sommelier. Chef Bob, who oversees Heritage Restaurant, GRCC’s onsite fine dining restaurant, travels the world making connections to global experts and bringing new recipes to West Michigan. Chef Will ran pastry operations in a Las Vegas casino and Chef Kate was a pastry apprentice at a resort.
“If you are interested in front of house operations, hands-on experience plus a bachelor’s degree will get you to a higher position faster,” Absenger said. “The same used to be true for culinary operations, but the workforce shortage is changing that. If you aspire to be a sous chef and eventually a chef, there are many opportunities open to you with an associate degree in culinary arts from GRCC.”
A third significant benefit of the GRCC culinary program, in addition to its excellent reputation and short time commitment, is the potential to earn your qualifications for free.
“High school students can come to our culinary program right out of high school,” Absenger said. “If they attend full-time, they can earn an associate degree without student loans through the Michigan Community College Guarantee. For an adult thinking about a career change, GRCC can also be a game-changer through Michigan Reconnect. Adult learners who have not yet earned a degree can earn an associate degree for free. This option is perfect for people who also need to work while going to school, because the credit requirement during an academic year is much lower.”
For all learners, there’s a hidden benefit in the associate degree.
“GRCC offers certificates, similar to minors, in many programs,” Absenger said. “We’ve designed the culinary arts associate degree to incorporate certificate options that show a concentration in a particular area. So, for example, a student could earn an associate degree in culinary arts with a Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate, or with a Personal Chef Certificate. GRCC’s programs allow any learner to get a quick start in a wage-earning skill. It will take a bit of experience to start earning higher wages, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with a certificate or an associate degree.”
Regardless of how you choose to go about it, the culinary arts program at GRCC is a long-game strategy that pays high dividends.
“No one will ever be able to take these skills away from you,” Absenger noted. “You will be marketable anywhere in the world. You’ll be able to make money using your own two hands. And after a few years of experience, you will be a viable contender for the best-paying positions in the industry.”
Learn more about the Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Brewing Academic Pathway at GRCC.
This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.