Cram session: No Culinary students work hard - Florida Today

Chief Harvey Knight shows his culinary arts high cocoa students much more than just how to cook.

Knight was a career in restaurants before heading in 2003. He worked as an apprentice at the American Culinary Federation, then as deputy chief of the kitchen, the second in command, and later as chief executive.

"This is a course of vocational and technical education. The first year covers all the basics of cooking. You will also learn the practical application of the dining room set up and dismantling, buffet , menu planning and how to set a good table, "said Knight.

The idea is to prepare students for work in industry, including the opportunity to gain professional certification. Of its 120 students, about 25, certification, "said Knight.

Brevard Public Schools has other culinary programs at Titusville High, Bayside High and Melbourne High.

"It prepares them for a career in the hospitality industry, not just a kitchen," Knight said.

QUESTION: Does the industry, the economy has been affected by the downturn?

ANSWER: In a recession, people still eat in the car. I tell my students that you never have a problem finding work in this type of field, because people are always hungry. There are so many possibilities.

Q: How difficult is it time to teach students in a short period of time?

A: This is a moment of class 47, so it is extremely difficult to take first year students and they really fill out what they need so that they are interested. But the good thing is, they can come back and in the second year, two hours and we can create wedding cakes.

Q: Can you tell if a student has an idea?

A: Yes. It is really difficult to teach the work ethic. It is usually best instilled by his family and his parents. I can certainly tell when a student can take their role seriously and 110 percent in everything she did. Especially around the food, it is easy to say. You put your emotions into the kitchen and it is in taste. I'll teach them how to make bread from scratch. You come home, if you have a bad day and you want to feel better, go home and a loaf of bread. It makes you feel like a million dollars.

Q: What is the most important thing you teach?

A: I think the important thing is to never stop learning.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I think after we give them and make an event, it is wonderful, the food was. The night is over and it was a great success. Only the look on their faces.