For those interested in working in the food industry, one of the most popular career pathways is catering.
While it may seem like the only way to learn this hands-on vocation is in person, it’s actually possible to learn through an online course. In addition, online catering and cooking courses have a few unique advantages over traditional learning methods.
Here are some of the benefits of learning catering through a structured online course and how it could help jumpstart your career.
1. Online Catering Courses Allow You to Learn at Your Own Pace
One of the most overlooked benefits of taking an online course is that it allows you to learn at your own pace. Most, if not all, the lessons in an online course are asynchronous, which means you don’t always have to be listening or watching a lecture in real time.
Instead, students can do the lessons at their convenience, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or late evening. In fact, many online courses give you extra time to finish the course. This flexibility makes it a great option for those who have a full-time job, children, or other commitments.
2. Online Catering School Has a Lower Financial Commitment
It’s no secret that formal education can be expensive. Culinary programs, whether at a private or public college, cost tens of thousands of dollars to attend. Interestingly, culinary professions don’t usually have a high barrier of entry either. So what does this mean for someone learning catering online?
Well, the good news is that an online catering course is usually significantly cheaper than going to college. Most online courses cost anywhere from $649-$1,200. This is especially important for those who are on the fence about pursuing catering as a career. Since a single course is cheaper than an entire vocational degree, it gives you the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and try cooking and food preparation before committing to a longer program.
3. You Can Finish in 6 Months or Less
One of the greatest benefits of an online catering course is that it doesn’t take long to complete. Many courses can be completed in just 6 months or less depending on the time you spend on them. In addition, since there are many states where catering doesn’t require additional education, chances are you can start looking for job opportunities.
Right now is a good time to go into the service industry as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level cooking and catering chef positions are set to increase by 16% between now and 2031. That means there will be 419,300 new jobs in these areas over the next few years. so finding a job in catering shouldn’t be too difficult after you get the necessary knowledge and experience.
4. Finding Extra Help Is Easy
Something that may be surprising about online courses is that instructors are available to help you. They are generally available for a call or email if you have a particularly in-depth question or concern. This is even more important for subjects like catering because it allows you to ask someone with experience to help you.
5. An Online Catering Course Allows You to Experiment in Real Time
For those who prefer to work in privacy, it may seem impossible to get hands-on experience in a catering course if it is online. However, since lessons are usually in the form of books, online videos, or instructions, all you really need is your own kitchen. This means that you can learn cooking in the comfort of your own home without the worry of falling behind if you happen to mess up.
Want to Work in the Food Industry? Enroll in Stratford’s Cooking & Catering Course Today
Whether you have experience in the food industry or simply want to see if catering is the career for you, consider enrolling in Stratford’s Cooking & Catering course! Through print and online materials, this course teaches all the fundamentals of the culinary arts, from understanding how to season certain dishes to starting your own catering business. Our course also goes over the basics of the restaurant industry and good sanitation practices.
If this sounds like the course for you, enroll today or request more information. We’re here to answer any questions you may have about the course.
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Stratford Career Institute offers an affordable online course that covers key skills that can jumpstart your catering career.