New England Culinary Institute or NECI was opened in 1980 and was unique in that it did not have practice kitchens but restaurants, bakeries and retail outlets. The Institute believes in teaching outside of the lecture halls. First, there is small course in the culinary theory, then you work as an intern under a master chef. The learning takes place in the natural environment of the kitchen in one of a number of successful restaurants of Vermont. NECI believes that by teaching this way, techniques are learnt faster and can be applied in practice more efficiently.
Long Term Courses at New England Culinary Institute
There are various academic programmes to study from, for example Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts which is a 39 month long programme and provides the essential skills for the world of the culinary industry. Or there is the Associate of Occupational Studies in Baking and Pastry Arts which runs for 24 month and focuses on the training in the pastry kitchen. Or if for example you want something more specific in the baking field lets say, then you can take the Certificate in Professional Baking and Professional Pastry. This is a very hands-on course that allows you to develop and refine your skills in the culinary world of baking whilst you work in the kitchens of restaurants.
New England Culinary Institute Enrolement
The Culinary Arts programme at NECI lets you learn in small groups with the Chef instructor from day one. The wonderful thing about the programme is that you can enrol throughout the year. Also there are domestic and international internships on offer. NECI builds your technical skills until your graduation with certificates that allow you to build a career for yourself.
The Baking Pastry Arts
The Baking Pastry Arts will aim to develop your skills not only technically but also artistically. The NECI has retail outlets where you will work from day one, you will learn and prepare in a class with the Chef instructor. The foundation skills that you gain will ensures a placement within many food service operations.
The Hospitality and Restaurant Management Degrees
The Hospitality and Restaurant Management Degrees offers study on everything from finance to purchasing, technology to resources. As you work in the field you will learn to use your skills in practice. The NECI restaurant and catering facility will give you a foundation towards your career.
Spcialist Courses at New England Culinary Institute
NECI has three specializations on offer for those seeking something more specific. Specializations in Sustainability, Wine and Beverage Specializations and Baking and Pastry Specializations all cover the skills and ensure that the students enter the industry very prepared.
Online Courses at NECI
You can also study online with the NECI; there are two degrees to choose from, the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts or Hospitality and Restaurant Management. These two are perfect foundation for the career path in hotel management for example or as a starting point for opening your own business.
Graduation at NECI
Every year 500 students graduate from NECI after they have reached the highest level in their culinary studies. Students often volunteer at local food pantries, farmer's markets and food related events with local charities, these do not just provide a strong community bond but also a very valuable experience outside the studies.