Culinary Arts (A.A.S.)

You will train in professional kitchens on campus and complete supervised industry experiences in culinary environments.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. You must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA if college courses have been taken.

Once you have enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Central Piedmont, you are required to attend a new student orientation before you can register for program classes. The orientation will present information about student file, faculty advisors, program progression and structure, tools and uniform requirements, and technical, attendance, and academic standards. The orientation usually lasts about two hours. Please contact the program chair to verify you are eligible for the program orientation.

Orientation is held on Central Campus in the Van Every Culinary Arts Building.

All culinary students are required to purchase new uniforms at the Central Piedmont Campus Store. Prices for each item vary by size. Since names are embroidered on the uniforms, there is a minimum two-week lead time to order uniforms. Financial aid recipients should communicate with the financial aid office regarding the purchase of required uniform and tools. All students are expected to be in uniform the first day of class.

Uniform

• 2 Central Piedmont Chef’s Coats
• 2 professional chef’s pants, black and white check
• black, nonskid shoes
• 2 bib aprons, white
• socks
• 2 skull caps, black (bandanas or other head coverings may not be worn)
• Review the uniform policy.

Other Supplies

• Culinary Arts Program Student Knife Kit (equipment purchased outside of the bookstore is expected to have all appropriate tools for each course and is subject to departmental approval)
• calculator
• masking tape
• bi-therm thermometer
• two black Sharpie markers

Uniform and personal appearance standards

• All uniforms and accessories must be clean and well-maintained.
• Black, closed-toe, leather, slip resistant, low-heeled shoes.
• If a t-shirt is worn under the jacket, it must be a solid color.
• Pants must fit well, be of acceptable length, and cannot be tattered or torn.
• Makeup should be moderate and natural and give a fresh, wholesome appearance.
• All students are required to bathe daily.
• Jewelry policy -  To maintain proper food safety and sanitation standards, jewelry must be kept to a minimum in all culinary labs and food preparation areas.
  • Allowed jewelry 
    • One plain metal wedding band
    • Permanent Stud face/earrings only, with no more than four (4) total pieces above the shoulders
    • Stud jewelry must be 8 mm or smaller 
  • Not allowed
    • Hoop or dangling jewelry
    • Necklaces worn outside clothing
    • Bracelets or anklets
    • Rings with stones or decorative features
    • Watches during food preparation
• Hair should be clean, conservative, well-groomed, and neat. Mustaches and beards are allowed if neatly trimmed. Hair longer than shoulder length must be braided or tied back. No extreme styles or ornamentation.
• No perfume or cologne may be worn.
• Fingernails should be clean not extend beyond the fingertip. No nail polish or false nails may be worn.

Attire required by a student’s religion will be accommodated if and to the extent accommodation can be accomplished consistent with the interests of Central Piedmont and in maintaining appropriate standards of health and safety. Requests for accommodation of religious attire must be submitted in writing to the program chair. No deviation from the lab dress will be permitted unless and until the request for recommendation is granted.

Review the uniform policy.