The hospitality industry is big business in New Jersey, where tourists pump more than $37 billion into the state’s economy each year. The leisure, hospitality and retail trade sector of our state’s economy employs almost 25% of all private sector workers.
Culinary arts programs for high school students and adults are in high demand at NJ county vocational-technical schools. Many of the schools operate their own student-run restaurants, which are open to the public.
Thanks to our industry partners, many of the programs include real-world work experience at area restaurants. Many of our graduates go on to prestigious culinary colleges and other post-secondary training, or straight into the workforce in the state’s thriving restaurant and hotel industry.
Here are some of the career pathways in this industry:
- Baker
- Chef
- Event planner
- Pastry chef
- Tour guide
- Caterer
- Convention services manager
- Hotel/restaurant management
- Restaurant owner
- Travel agent
For students and parents:
To see what culinary arts and tourism programs the county vocational-technical school in your county offers, find your school.
For adult students:
To look for specific culinary arts and toursim programs at county vocational-technical schools near you, use the “Find Adult Career Programs” tool.
For more information on careers in this industry:
Check out videos on various career pathways in these fields under “Hospitality and Tourism” at NJCareerConnections.
O*Net Online has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
Many NJ county vocational-technical schools’ culinary arts programs are certified by Prostart, part of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. This web site additional information about careers in the culinary industry.
