Do you dream of being surrounded by thick, buttery fumes or with the sickly sweet smell of cooking cupcakes and crisping croissants? If you do, you must know that you can make your dream come true, and be a part of a growing food sector to boot.
According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, the Indian bakery market reached a value of US$ 7.22 Billion in 2018, and is projected to exceed US$ 12 Billion by 2024, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during 2019-2024.
A course in the culinary arts will get you into this booming industry, that is also on trend. Primed at those who envision to work as a chef in star hotels, leading restaurants or as entrepreneurs, this course gives students an exposure to all the major international cuisines, and also covers the popular art of baking.
Chef Niklesh Sharma, Founder, Academy of Pastry Arts, talks about a career in the baking industry.
Skill development
Students who are sure about their career path can take up this course right after class XII. All you would need is a love for cooking and baking. Usually, the duration of the courses range from nine months to a year, and the classes are mostly practical. In fact, most classes do not even have desks and chairs — this helps students see, learn and practise the techniques during classes.
The course covers baking cookies and bread, and tempering chocolate to making your own cakes and gateaux, and chocolate and sugar displays. The faculty comprises chefs who have considerable experience with leading hotel brands.
Matching the trends
Earlier, the job of a chef was not considered highly. But now, with the growth of hotels and the restaurant industry, there is an unparalleled demand for people with expertise in cooking. The course teaches you more than just preparing food and creating fine products. It teaches you what an ingredient can do under different circumstances and combinations. Of course, preparing products is primary, but understanding it is more important.
Some other career options, besides that of a chef are recipe book writer, base kitchen caterer, cookery show host, cruise ship/ railways/ airlines caterer, event caterer, chocolatier, home baker and a pastry chef.
Industry-ready
The curriculum is planned by a panel of expert chefs who design every topic. Each topic will cover different products, techniques, and trends to make students industry-ready. The courses also teach students how to deal with people, products and situations. They are put under stressful situations so they can deal with problems in real life cases. They are sent abroad for nternships and within the country too, where they learn and match up to international techniques and standards.
Most institutes try to give immediate placements with star hotels, restaurants and bakeries. Many hotels, restaurants and stand-alone establishments seek people who can intern and train with them. Some students also aspire to start their own ventures after course completion.
