27 Oct Florida Technical College Launches Culinary Arts Program Fully Taught in Spanish
It is the only Spanish-language culinary program in Florida accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary federation Education.
ORLANDO, Fla., October 27, 2017 – From big restaurant chains and hotels, to mom-and-pop establishments, Spanish is commonly spoken in Florida’s commercial kitchens. Seizing on the strength that this cultural diversity lends to the state’s culinary scene, Florida Technical College welcomes the language of Cervantes to its classrooms with a Culinary Arts Diploma Program taught fully in Spanish.
The unique program is the only one in Spanish in Florida that has received accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education. It launches on November 27 and runs for 13 months. It will be available at FTC Kissimmee campus. Registration is now open.
“Given the economic situation in Puerto Rico and other areas of Latin America, as well as the devastation from multiple hurricanes, many people are making the decision to come to Florida in search of better opportunities,” said FTC President, Dr. James Burkett, PhD. “Our goal is to help these individuals make the transition by preparing them for a career in Florida, where there’s a critical shortage of culinary workers. Our goal is to help these newly arrived find meaningful employment while meeting a critical need many employers have in our region.”
The Culinary Arts Diploma Program covers the creative and business aspects of the culinary profession with subjects like nutrition and sanitation, international cuisine, culinary techniques, facility and menu planning, and food and beverage cost control. The first 11 months will be a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on labs in a modern, commercial grade kitchen, as well as training and development at Zazón Café, a restaurant ran by students and instructors adjacent to the school. The program concludes with a 2-month externship.
“This is a unique opportunity for Spanish speakers not offered any place else in the state,” said Chef Abdiel Laboy, one of the program’s instructors. “They can start working right away toward a diploma with courses in their native tongue, while simultaneously working toward mastering the English language, day by day, in any way they choose to do this.”
Florida Technical College Kissimmee campus is also a Regional Chef Training Facility for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1248. FTC is one of a handful of schools in the United States to currently hold the coveted designation, which will enable students and food preparation professionals to learn from nationally and internationally recognized chefs. At the same time, the campus is the headquarter of The American Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter
For additional information on the new program, and to register, visit FTC College or call (407) 783-5700.
About Florida Technical College: Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, FTC is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. FTC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions, including healthcare, computer networking, web design, criminal justice, culinary arts, and cosmetology. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Lakeland, DeLand, Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines, and Cutler Bay. Program availability varies by campus. For graduation rates, median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit www.ftccollege.edu/disclosures.html.