{"id":20011,"date":"2023-08-30T07:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=20011"},"modified":"2025-09-16T14:16:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T19:16:35","slug":"is-culinary-school-a-trade-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/is-culinary-school-a-trade-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Culinary School a Trade School?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Maybe you\u2019ve heard the terms \u201ctrade school\u201d, \u201ctechnical school\u201d, or \u201cvocational school\u201d in conversation, but couldn\u2019t really define what they mean. If you\u2019re considering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/\">culinary school<\/a>, you might also be wondering whether it falls under these different umbrellas. And furthermore, you might be wondering how a culinary degree or diploma <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/academics\/\">program<\/a> compares to a traditional college education.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s explore exactly what a trade school is, whether culinary school falls into this category, and whether it could be the right fit for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blog-article-callout-wrap\">\n<div class=\"blog-article-callout-text\">\n<h3>What Is The Difference Between a Trade School, Technical School, and Vocational School?<\/h3>\n<p>While these terms are often used to categorize different types of continuing education, their definitions aren\u2019t set in stone and are sometimes used interchangeably.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>vocational school<\/strong> is a broad term for any type of educational institution that prepares students for a specific job immediately following graduation.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>trade school<\/strong> is one type of vocational school that focuses on more specialized hands-on training in a certain industry or skill, like auto mechanics, cosmetology, or medical imaging.<\/li>\n<li>Other types of vocational schools might include <strong>tech schools<\/strong> where you can earn certifications in technical fields such as engineering, finance, or information technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Is Culinary School a Trade School?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, a culinary program is considered both a trade school and a vocational school because it can prepare students for a career in a specific trade\u2014in this case, a distinct facet of the culinary world.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/academics\/\">degree and diploma programs<\/a> in the culinary arts. We also have programs for people looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/academics\/baking-pastry-online\/\">pastry school<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/plant-based-programs\/\">plant-based culinary school<\/a>, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/food-entrepreneurship\/\">Food Entrepreneurship<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/holistic-nutrition-and-wellness\/\">Holistic Nutrition &amp; Wellness<\/a> programs. For those looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/academics\/food-and-beverage-online\/\">hospitality school<\/a>, you can consider our Hospitality &amp; Restaurant Operations Management program.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_28023\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28023\" class=\"wp-image-28023 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Escoffier-student-checking-a-pot-in-a-professional-kitchen-768.jpeg\" alt=\"Escoffier student checking a pot in a professional kitchen\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Escoffier-student-checking-a-pot-in-a-professional-kitchen-768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Escoffier-student-checking-a-pot-in-a-professional-kitchen-768-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-28023\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Escoffier Boulder student enrolled in the Culinary Arts program, exploring how to make vegetable stock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Following graduation from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/financing-your-education\/6-ways-to-afford-culinary-school\/\">high school<\/a>, a traditional path of education might look like obtaining a college degree from a two-year or four-year college, then joining the workforce.<\/p>\n<p>But many are becoming disillusioned with both the cost of traditional higher education and a potential lack of opportunity <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.gitnux.com\/high-school-students-unprepared-for-life-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">following graduation<\/a>. This is where a trade school\u2014like culinary school\u2014comes in. So why might you consider such a path?<\/p>\n<h2>Trade Schools Are Typically Completed More Quickly Than College<\/h2>\n<p>Want to streamline your education journey?<\/p>\n<p>Usually, degrees or diplomas from trade schools <a href=\"https:\/\/thebestschools.org\/degrees\/trade-schools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">take less time to complete<\/a> than a traditional four-year degree. For example, at Escoffier, programs can range from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-long-does-it-take-to-finish-culinary-school\/\">30 to 84 weeks<\/a>, depending on the type of program. This is particularly helpful for students who have family obligations or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-full-time-working-adults-can-succeed-in-online-learning\/\">work a full-time job<\/a>. It means a briefer period of attending school while meeting these other obligations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<blockquote><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-15394 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mary-Weischedel.png\" alt=\"Mary Weischedel\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/>\u201cIt took me 19 years to figure out what I wanted to do and Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts made it easy and fun to achieve the goal!\u201d*<br \/>\n<strong>Mary Weischedel, Escoffier Baking &amp; Pastry Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Trade Schools Can Prepare Students for the Workforce with the Right Skillset<\/h2>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/nscresearchcenter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CTEE_Report_Spring_2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Student Clearinghouse Research Center<\/a>, two-year college skilled trades program enrollment (specifically culinary) increased last spring by 12.7%\u2014likely indicating that adults today might be looking for a more focused education and skill set.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in learning career-focused skills and entering a career path in a relatively short period of time, trade school could be the optimal route to take. Trade schools, like a culinary school, are skills-based, so they\u2019re less focused on general knowledge that may or may not apply to the industry a student is seeking to enter. Whereas colleges and universities require a broad range of courses, trade schools hone in on one specific skill set.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22235\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22235\" class=\"wp-image-22235 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Escoffier-student-chopping-an-onion-on-a-cutting-board-in-the-kitchen-768.jpg\" alt=\"Escoffier student chopping an onion on a cutting board in the kitchen\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Escoffier-student-chopping-an-onion-on-a-cutting-board-in-the-kitchen-768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Escoffier-student-chopping-an-onion-on-a-cutting-board-in-the-kitchen-768-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22235\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Escoffier student practicing knife cuts, covered in a culinary fundamentals class.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Traditional education, like college, might also have more in the way of lecture and theory, whereas a trade school will involve more training on the practical application. For this reason, students emerge from a trade school with the practical knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level job in the field right away.<\/p>\n<p>For example, in Escoffier\u2019s programs, students have the opportunity to apply practical culinary skills which may be in demand by today\u2019s employers, through the coursework and by completing one to two <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/importance-of-internships-and-externships\/\">industry externships<\/a>. Under the direction of a seasoned culinarian, students can refine their skill set \u201chands-on\u201d in the kitchen\u2014exploring firsthand, the fast-paced environment they\u2019ll eventually work in, full-time. This is a prime opportunity to hone in on your interests, which can shape your future career goals. Also, it\u2019s a chance to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/5-important-networking-tips-for-all-chefs\/\">network with professionals<\/a>, which could lead to future job opportunities!<\/p>\n<h2>Trade Schools May Offer More Mentorship Opportunities<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s also the culture of the educational institution to bear in mind. For instance, at a trade school, you\u2019re likely to interact often with your instructors, whereas at a university you may find it more difficult to meet your professor one-on-one. For those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/food-entrepreneurship\/how-gleam-and-escoffiers-mentorship-program-guide-aspiring-entrepreneurs\/\">seeking mentorship<\/a> and more guidance in their education or career path, this in itself could be a deciding factor.<\/p>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<blockquote><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-15394 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/shane.png\" alt=\"Shane Witters Hicks, Escoffier Boulder Graduate\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/shane.png 300w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/shane-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/shane-125x125.png 125w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\u201cYou have mentors in a restaurant setting, but you won\u2019t get the variety. At Escoffier, you\u2019re exposed to 10+ executive chefs, and you\u2019re surrounded by them every day. There\u2019s a wealth of mentorship at your fingertips.\u201d*<br \/>\n<strong>Shane Witters Hicks, Escoffier Boulder Graduate &amp; Private Chef\/Educator, The Soulful Spread<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p>Escoffier\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/chef-instructors\/\">Chef Instructors<\/a> can help their students achieve their creative potential. Students have the ability to bounce new ideas off of their Chef Instructors and seek guidance for their professional path from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/career\/\">Career Services<\/a> staff. With dedicated office hours and low instructor-to-student ratios on campus, you can have the opportunity to connect with your teachers and mentors.<\/p>\n<h2>Trade Schools Can Offer Invaluable Career Resources<\/h2>\n<p>In trade school, you\u2019ll be surrounded by like-minded peers who are all pursuing the same (or similar) career paths as you, which could spark new business ideas and partnerships, post-graduation In four-year universities, your classes might be made up of students from a wide spectrum of disciplines, all majoring in something different.<\/p>\n<p>And again, since trade schools are naturally more \u201cconcentrated\u201d than a traditional university, often, trade schools will offer more focused and applicable career resources. For example, Escoffier students and alumni can access the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-the-escoffier-alumni-association-can-transform-your-career-path\/\">Alumni Association<\/a>\u2014a professional network with 7,000 members that fosters peer-to-peer connection. Members get immediate access to an exclusive directory filled with expert profiles who can answer career-related questions, match with industry mentors, and tap into a job and externship database!<\/p>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<blockquote><p>\u201cIt&#8217;s a really beautiful process that students go through. They can get support the whole way through, from the student Success Coaches, Career Service coaches, and then the Alumni Relations team. What we&#8217;re really trying to do is support students even after they leave.\u201d*<br \/>\n<strong>Kay Larson, Alumni Relations Manager<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Trade Schools Can Provide More Immersive Experiences<\/h2>\n<p>Often, when you attend a trade school, the staff and faculty will do their best to offer educational experiences that actually apply to your profession!<\/p>\n<p>At Escoffier, students can access a truly immersive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/french-culinary-school\/\">international study opportunity<\/a> at the largest culinary mecca of the world\u2014Paris, France. Through the partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecoleducasse.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00c9cole Ducasse\u2019s<\/a> French culinary institute, Escoffier students can study alongside world-renowned instructors while completing an 8-to-9-week certification program. Alternatively, applicants with an Escoffier diploma or Associate\u2019s degree can earn an \u00c9cole Ducasse\u2019s 3-year bachelor\u2019s degree in as little as 2 years!<\/p>\n<p>Just imagine learning how to assemble decadent French pastries and delicate cakes in the bustling city center of Paris, lined with bustling cafes and quaint wine bars. Getting to embark on an experience like this can truly make an impact on any aspiring culinarian\u2014one you may not come across at a traditional university.<\/p>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThere was never a dull moment. I didn\u2019t know how to bake, I didn\u2019t know how to cook, but in Escoffier I was able to learn all the skills.\u201d*<br \/>\n<strong>Norainee Rivas, Escoffier Baking &amp; Pastry Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Is Culinary School the Right Choice for You?<\/h2>\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve gotten an idea of what sets trade school apart from traditional higher education, let\u2019s talk about culinary school specifically. Perhaps you\u2019ve been kicking around the idea for a while, and you just haven\u2019t landed on your decision.If that\u2019s the case, first ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are you passionate about food and searching for a career in the culinary field?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Whether it be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/hospitality-careers\/careers-a-food-and-beverage-operations-degree-can-prepare-you-for\/\">managing a restaurant<\/a>, being a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/what-makes-a-good-sous-chef\/\">sous chef<\/a> in a kitchen, or opening your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/what-are-the-career-opportunities-in-baking-and-pastry\/\">p\u00e2tisserie<\/a>, feeling the call to the culinary world is a good indicator that you should consider an industry-related education.<\/p>\n<p>The kitchen is a high-energy environment and can be a very rewarding career path if you love to create, serve others, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/podcast\/63-curtis-duffy-creates-family-kitchen-culture\/\">work with a team<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What type of culinary education are you looking for?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re just getting started on a path to a culinary career. Perhaps you\u2019ve been working in the industry for some time, and you\u2019re looking for a way to stand out. Or maybe you\u2019re looking for a new creative outlet and skillset.<\/p>\n<p>Take Escoffier graduate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/how-five-culinary-school-graduates-turned-challenges-into-triumphs\/\">Chris Marhevka<\/a> for example. With a master\u2019s degree in social work and practicing in his field, he began to feel the onset of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had the desire to pursue something a bit more creative, which led him to enroll at Escoffier.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI still love social work,\u201d he says, \u201cbut I knew that I needed to switch up my life somehow and bring a little more balance into my life, a little more levity.\u201d*<\/p>\n<p>After graduating from Escoffier, Chris applied his skills to start his own food blog Cook Until Brown, while still practicing as a social worker. His long-term goal is to secure a profession in food media and create opportunities for other voices to be heard in the culinary industry.<\/p>\n<p>A culinary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/associate-degree-vs-diploma\/\">degree or diploma<\/a> can also give your resume a significant boost and help you market yourself and your skills. Escoffier students can dive into foundational culinary topics like menu design, nutrition, global cuisines, and food service math and accounting\u2014practical knowledge that many employers value.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are you willing to be more hands-on with your classes?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Culinary school can include written and verbal assignments and some lectures. But the majority of a culinary curriculum is about actually practicing what you\u2019re learning from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/chef-instructors\/\">Chef Instructors<\/a>, showcasing your skills and your comprehension of the material through tangible products.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Finally, do you have other responsibilities to take care of, like working a job, taking care of family members, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/financing-your-education\/gi-bill-for-culinary-school\/\">serving in the military<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Some culinary schools, including Escoffier, offer a flexible enough format for you to do both \u2014but others don\u2019t, so it\u2019s important to talk to the school\u2019s admissions department to get the scoop. Adult learners who are balancing careers or family obligations have found Escoffier\u2019s weekly commitment to be manageable, especially through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-online-culinary-school-works\/\">online program<\/a> format. Approximately 15-23 hours per week are spent on school-related activities depending on program, credential, and personal pace.<\/p>\n<p>Escoffier\u2019s Boulder campus (including the online programs) is also a designated 2025-2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/admissions-aid\/active-military-veterans\/\">Military Friendly\u00ae School<\/a>, meaning that we\u2019ve demonstrated levels of satisfaction in helping veterans transition from military life to school and civilian careers. We work with the Department of Veteran Affairs and all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/financing-your-education\/gi-bill-for-culinary-school\/\">branches of the military<\/a> to help administer any education assistance provided to veteran\/active military students and\/or their families.<\/p>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<blockquote><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-15394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Tiffany-M.jpg\" alt=\"Escoffier online culinary arts graduate Tiffany Moore\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/>\u201cAnybody can say they are a chef. As far as the management portion, that is where Escoffier is really helping me actually run a restaurant, run a caf\u00e9, or run a business. And that&#8217;s what I want. I want my own restaurant.&#8221;*<br \/>\n<strong>Tiffany Moore, Co-Founder\/Chef, Event Hall @ Cascade, TBS \u201cRat In The Kitchen\u201d Contestant, Online Culinary Arts Graduate, Military Veteran<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Evaluate Your Culinary Education Options<\/h2>\n<p>The bottom line is that trade schools aren\u2019t for everyone. But when it comes to the culinary world, a degree or diploma from an accredited institution can be increasingly crucial for success.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re thinking about culinary school, explore Escoffier\u2019s options to see if anything piques your interest. We have two campuses\u2014in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/campuses\/boulder\/\">Boulder, CO<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/campuses\/austin\/\">Austin, TX<\/a>\u2014as well as an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/campuses\/online-programs\/\">online campus<\/a> curriculum. Besides having access to 120+ expert Chef Instructors, you\u2019ll complete an industry externship that can further help prepare you for the field.<\/p>\n<p>Getting a meaningful start on your culinary career journey can start with pursuing the right type of education. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/admissions-aid\/new-students\/\">admissions staff<\/a> can help talk you through whether that education indeed starts with Escoffier.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want to know more about culinary school? Browse these articles next:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-to-get-into-culinary-school\/\">How You Can Get into Culinary School<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/why-study-at-a-french-culinary-institute\/\">Why Study at a French Culinary Institute?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/tips-for-building-a-supportive-network-in-culinary-school\/\">5 Tips for Building a Supportive Network in Culinary School<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This article was originally published on November 15, 2021, and has since been updated.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>*Information may not reflect every student\u2019s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is culinary school a trade school? Find out how trade school differs from a university, vocation, or tech school, and which one may be for you! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":28022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1285],"tags":[1304,1290,1299,64],"class_list":["post-20011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-value-of-culinary-education","tag-academic-success","tag-accredited-culinary-school","tag-career-advancement","tag-high-school-students"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is Culinary School a Trade School? - Escoffier<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is culinary school a trade school? 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