The Bakery and Pastry Arts program at North Montco Technical Career Center has offered aspiring chefs hands-on training for decades, writes Maddie Cimino for North Penn’s The Knight Crier.

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in the culinary industry. Led by Pastry Instructor Chris Polos, the curriculum adheres to a state-mandated Duty Task List and spans essential skills over three to four years. Students start with basics like cookies and bread. Later, they progress to advanced techniques involving enriched doughs, cake decorating, and working with chocolate.

Students must be accepted into the specialized program, with eligibility dependent on their public school’s policies. Class schedules include theoretical lessons followed by practical kitchen work. “We usually come into the classroom and have theory for about fifteen minutes,” Polos said. “Then we will go out and demo something, usually how to make/use the method we learned about. After that, they produce it.” 

Graduates often pursue careers in bakeries, and restaurants. Some further their education at prestigious culinary schools like The Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales. “I love the fact that I can pass down my skill set and show other people that,” Polos said, reflecting on teaching the students. “I especially love it when (my students) are in the kitchen and I don’t have to do much. That sounds crazy but when I can see everyone with their heads down and working diligently, that is ideal for me.”

Read more about the Bakery and Pastry Arts program at North Montco Technical Career Center in North Penn Now.