Essential Information
Those who want to pursue a career in the food service industry can get formal training with a relatively small investment of time and money. A number of schools host certificate programs that help develop a candidate's knowledge and skills in food production management. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED for admission into a certificate program. Some schools may test a candidate's basic academic skills to determine if they need supplemental courses.
In addition to preparing students to enter the field, programs can supplement the professional skills of established food service workers. Students typically earn a certificate in a year or less. Completing a food production management certificate program qualifies graduates for support positions in commercial and institutional food-serving establishments. Graduates may also consider starting their own food businesses.
Certificate in Food Production Management
Some topics in certificate programs, such as culinary arts or food preparation, may be covered in two or three courses at a beginning, intermediate and advanced level. The following are possible food production management courses:
- Restaurant operations introduction
- Culinary arts introduction
- Food preparation fundamentals
- Nutrition
- Safety and sanitation
- Catering, banquets and quantity production
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which classifies these workers as first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers, projects that over the years 2019-2029 employment will increase by 6% (www.bls.gov). The BLS also states that the median salary for this position was $33,400 in May 2019.
Continuing Education Information
Courses in a food production management certificate program often overlap with those in a culinary arts associate's degree program. People who earn a certificate may be able to transfer their credits to a degree program and thereby improve their employment prospects or prepare for advancement in the field.
A certificate in food production management is tailored to students who want to enter the food service industry in a supervisory position. Graduates may be able to transfer credits to a culinary degree program in order to pursue additional educational and career enrichment opportunities.
