Girard shipped out to sea at the age of 14 and by 1774 was captain of a ship involved in U.S. coastal trade with the West Indies. Stymied by British blockades of U.S. seaports during the Revolutionary War (1775â83), he settled in Philadelphia but resumed maritime trading after the war.
Although it's possible to find employment in kitchens before completing high school, a diploma helps if you want to get full-time work in better restaurants. While you're in high school, you may be able to take vocational classes in food safety, handling and cooking.
Less training is required to work as a line cook, compared to the training and experience needed for executive chefs. Certificate Programs A one- or two-year certificate program leading to a career as a cook or chef includes courses like safety, sanitation, food preparation, customer service, nutrition, and menu planning. Many certificate programs include hands-on training in a restaurant or other location, working as a cook or chef. Degree Programs. Two- or four-year culinary programs cover different types of training and even restaurant management. Students can choose a specific culinary focus, like pastries.