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.
Degree Programs for Certified Chefs. Although you can become a certified chef without a college degree, an associate's degree program can provide you with formal training in culinary arts and science. An Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in culinary arts is a 2-year degree program that includes practical training at on-campus kitchens.