Food Preparation And Safety
Program Description
The Food Preparation and Safety program is designed to prepare the student with the
necessary skills to be hired in an entry-level position in the hospitality industry.
There is a high demand for basic food preparation positions which often lead to advanced
opportunities with employers. During the 120 required hours of field experience (internship),
students will be placed in well-known local establishments which often offer permanent
positions. Basic knife skills, basic Food Preparation, Introductory Baking and Sanitation
skills are required courses. Students will be prepared for employment in every aspect
of the food industry, from private to public sector. Incorporated into the curriculum
is our farm to table Learning Garden The garden is located within an easy walk from
SUNY Erie City Campus. The Learning Garden promotes experiential learning, workshops,
demonstrations and meal planning. This program is highly beneficial for those individuals
in search of first line jobs that lead to growth in the industry. Upon completion
of the certificate, SUNY Erie's Career and Resource Center assists to successfully
place students.
This certificate program is unique because the timing of the classes is slower to ensure all tactile and emotional needs of the student are met. It is vital to decrease any hostile environment because professors work so closely with these individuals holding knives and cooking foods at high temperatures. SUNY Erie's program can offer support and resources many individuals do not get from home.
Program Details
Basic math and English
Emerson or BOCES food preparation courses or other similar programs or schools
Pre-Admission Recommendations: HS or HSE (High School Equivalency) Diploma
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
Applicant must have sufficient physical abilities, manual dexterity and visual acuity
to accomplish the following:
- use knives to pare, slice and dice fruits and vegetables and produce and fabricate proteins;
- use other kitchen tools to manipulate ingredients;
- visually assess the appearance of a food item to determine whether it is cooked and plated properly;
- taste items and distinguish flavors;
stand for 4 hours at a time without sitting; - be able to move and lift pots, pans and other items weighing up to 30 lbs; and
- be able to walk, stoop, and bend while lifting items weighing up to 30 lbs.
Applicant must have sufficient intellectual ability to perform the following tasks:
- process verbal and written instructions;
communicate verbally and in writing; - multiply or divide quantities in recipes as instructed;
- be able to multi-task (execute multiple tasks simultaneously); and
- be able to read the warning labels on kitchen equipment and adhere to instructions.
Applicant must additionally be capable of doing the following:
- work effectively independently, and in small and/or large groups as part of a team;
- take direction well from authority;
- accept criticism from authority and peers;
- handle a diverse array of personality types, often in close quarters, in an artistic environment;
- be in the presence of sharp instruments, knives, and equipment that may be construed as dangerous;
- be alert to one's own food allergies, personal preference or prohibition to certain foods (i.e. religious beliefs); and
- be able to cook with alcohol and be in the presence of an abundance of alcohol and people consuming alcohol.