21 Jul FTC Designated Regional Chef Training Facility by the World’s Oldest Gastronomic Society
The school’s Kissimmee campus is also the official headquarter of The American Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter and will host in July the America’s semifinals for the World Association of Chefs Society’s prestigious Global Chef Challenge.
ORLANDO, Fla. —Florida Technical College Kissimmee campus, home to the school’s Culinary Arts program, has been designated as Regional Chef Training Facility by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1248. FTC is one of only five 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.
“The facilities that have the designation will collaborate with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in the process of developing young culinarians as they hone their skills and knowledge to enter the professional culinary world,” said Orlando Chef Reimund Pitz, a certified world master who is a Chaîne official. “Florida Technical College and the handful of other schools selected, will also have a tremendous impact on the entire Chaîne’s culinary program by hosting regional educational seminars, and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ dinners, which are a gastronomic feasts.”
The important designation also enables FTC to apply for scholarship funds for its students from the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Foundation.
“It is a tremendous honor for our school to be part of such an exclusive group of educational facilities working hand in hand with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs to develop the culinary stars of the future,” said FTC President, Dr. James Burkett. “This designation is a testament to the high standards of our program and to the excellence of our faculty. No one will benefit more from this alliance than our students.”
Earlier this month, the school was also selected as the site for the America’s semifinals for the World Association of Chefs Society’s (WACS) prestigious Global Chef Challenge. The competition is held in three different categories: Global Chefs, Global Pastry Chefs and Young Chefs Challenge for chefs 25 and under. The winners will go on to represent the continent –Canada, U.S.A. and Mexico- in the finals, to be held in Greece later this year. WACS is the largest organization of professional chefs in the world with more than 10 million members all over the globe.
“The magnitude and importance of this competition, especially for a student, is enormous,” Pitz said. “It can provide a tremendous boost to their professional career. Many competitors have gone on to be members of their country’s culinary Olympic teams, and to be respected chefs serving royalty and heads of state.”
Additionally, FTC Kissimmee campus was recently designated the official headquarter of The American Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter. The college will be the local venue where the federation will conduct meetings, educational seminars and other official events.
“These are powerful alliances with the who-is-who of the culinary world,” said Chef Peter Vossenberg, lead instructor of FTC’s Culinary Arts program. “They will open a world of possibilities for our students and give them an important educational advantage.”
Florida Technical College Culinary Arts and Baking and Pasteleria training programs helps develop food preparation, baking and management skills for a future career in food and beverage industry. FTC’s commercial kitchens are equipped with all the essentials to learn and practice fundamental cooking techniques. For additional information call 888-906-5730 or visit www.FTCcollege.edu .
About Florida Technical College: FTC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions, including healthcare, computer networking, graphic design, criminal justice, culinary arts and cosmetology. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Lakeland, Deland, Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines and Cutler Bay. Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields. Program Availability varies by location. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program is available at www.ftccollege.edu/disclosures.html”