Food safety and the preparation of different cuisines are just a few of the topics covered in online catering courses and certificate programs. Find out about the career outlook for food preparation workers and how you can learn this field through online study.
What You Need to Know
An online catering course can prepare you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level catering job. You will learn how food preparation and presentation can enhance special occasions, as well as how you can start your own catering business. A certificate program or online course can also improve your oral and written communication skills, which is essential when you're working with clients or food service vendors.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Cooking methods for specific foods, sauces, meats and soups</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Starting a catering service, food safety and handling, food service industry overview, cultural and specialty cuisine</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Online catering diploma available</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---CanIFindAProgramEntirelyOnline">Can I Find a Program Entirely Online?</h3><p>You should keep in mind that due to the hands-on nature of catering, very few colleges and universities have online catering certificate programs. Those that do provide a distance learning option often make all courses available online, without requiring you to attend any campus lectures, exams or conferences. The program outline may have you preparing several types of dishes in your own kitchen. You might be able to find online catering or cooking programs that result in a career diploma or certificate.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>In an online catering certificate program, you'll learn how to cater special events, design a menu and evaluate budgetary and dietary needs. Most programs include a few courses covering the best cooking methods for various types of food. These topics might be covered in your catering course:
</p><ul><li>Kitchen layout
</li><li>Specialty cooking utensils
</li><li>Food safety
</li><li>Sauces
</li><li>Meats
</li><li>Soups
</li><li>Vegetables
</li><li>Pasta
</li><li>Fruits
</li><li>Pastries
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareersCanIPursue">What Careers Can I Pursue?</h3><p>Once you've obtained your catering certificate, you may be able to find employment at hotels, resorts, cafeterias or restaurants. You may also decide to start your own catering business, prepare to become certified as a cook or baker, or gain additional training to expand into special events planning.</p>
