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Our Complete Career Training Programs (CCTP) include both the training you need and the skills you will want in order to be prepared for your new career. We have taken online career programs to a whole new level by bundling our Career Training with Personal Enrichment courses to ensure you have a diversified learning experience.
Our mentor-supported career courses focus on the industry standards that prepare you for your chosen career or certification. You will also get our smaller, four-week long, instructor-led personal enrichment courses to further your employment training.
Sign up today for this all-inclusive career training program!
Professional Cooking Part I
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Identify proper food handling, measurements and how to create a balanced diet
- Recognize the principles of cooking and food science
- Recall the steps for preparing stocks, sauces and soups
- List the basics for properly handling vegetables
- Identify the structure of various meats and proper cooking techniques
Professional Cooking Part II
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Identify the various ways to prepare and cook fish and poultry
- Recognize the basic ways to create salads, sandwiches and breakfast foods
- Recall the steps for cooking vegetarian meals and buffet presentation
- List common baking principles and formulas for preparing breads and cakes
- Identify the characteristics of cookies, pies and puddings
Professional Catering
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Recall the different methods and styles of catering
- Identify steps for building a client base and engaging customers
- List strategies for planning and managing an event
- Choose methods for staff training and guiding employee behavior
- Recognize fundamental elements of food preparation, dining management and recipes for catering
Principles of Marketing
After completing this course you should be able to:
- Identify the marketing process and how it fits into business operations
- Differentiate between categories of consumer criteria for determining value
- Recall the strategies used within each of the marketing mixes
- Recognize how to identify target markets and environments by analyzing demographics and consumer behavior
- Describe best practices for responsible marketing and how to manage marketing efforts
Microsoft Excel® 2019
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- List the basic range functions in Microsoft Excel 2019
- Identify the correct use of formulas, worksheets, and workbooks
- Recall how to create professional looking charts, tables, and graphics
- Recognize how to import, use, and analyze data
Start Your Own Catering Business
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Identify the pros and cons of starting a catering business
- List steps for creating a business plan and how to structure your company
- Recognize marketing techniques and how to promote your catering business
- Recall time management tips and event planning strategies
Better Interpersonal Communication
After completion of this course you should be able to:
- Recognize the basics and importance of verbal and nonverbal communication
- Identify steps associated with the learning process and how to improve your listening skills
- Recall types of personality styles and the perception process
- List styles of conflict and what contributes to it
Professional Cooking Part I
Professional Cooking Module 1
The Food Service Industry
- History of Modern Food Service
- Organization of Modern Kitchens
- Standards of Professionalism
- Sanitation
- Food Hazards
- Personal Hygiene
- Food Handling and Storage
- Preventing Injuries
- Cooking Equipment
- Measuring Devices
Professional Cooking Module 2
Menus, Recipes and Nutrition
- Menu Forms and Functions
- Building the Menu
- Measurement
- Kitchen Math
- Nutrients
- Balanced Diets and Menus
Professional Cooking Module 3
Principles of Cooking and Food Science
- What is Heat?
- Emulsions
- Heat Management
- Conventional Cooking Methods
- Building Flavor Profiles
- Using Herbs and Spices
- Mise En Place
- Using the Knife
Professional Cooking Module 4
Stocks
- Ingredients
- Procedures
- Reductions and Glazes
- Convenience Bases
Professional Cooking Module 5
Sauces and Soups
Sauce Structure
Sauce Families
Sauce Production
Understanding Soups
Clear Soups
Thickened Soups
Professional Cooking Module 6
Vegetables
- Controlling Texture Changes
- Controlling Flavor Changes
- General Rules of Vegetable Cookery
- Handling Vegetables
- Fresh Vegetables
- Storage
- Boiling and Steaming
- Sauteing and Pan-Frying
- Braising
- Deep-Frying
Professional Cooking Module 7
Potatoes, Legumes, Pasta
- Understanding Potatoes
- Cooking Potatoes
- Dried Legumes
- Grains
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Dumplings
Professional Cooking Module 8
Cooking Methods for Meat, Poultry, Fish
- Roasting and Baking
- Simmering and Submersion Poaching
- Barbecuing
- Pan-Frying
- Steaming
- Composition and Structure
- Cooking and Handling Meats
- Cooking Meats and Game
Professional Cooking Part II
Professional Cooking Module 9
Poultry and Game Birds
- Composition and Structure
- Inspection and Grading
- Classification and Market Forms
- Handling
- Storage
- Doneness
- Trussing Methods
- Cutting Up Chicken
- Roasting and Baking
- Broiling and Grilling
- Dressings and Stuffings
Professional Cooking Module 10
Fish and Seafood
- Cutting Fish
- Varieties of Fish
- Shellfish
- Mollusks
- Cephalopods
- Crustaceans
- Miscellaneous Seafood
- Cooking Approaches
- Steaming
- Seafood Served Raw
Professional Cooking Module 11
Dressings, Salads and Sandwiches
- Oil and Vinegar Dressings
- Emulsified Dressings
- Other Types of Dressings
- Ingredients in Salads
- Arrangement and Presentation
- Recipes and Techniques
- Breads
- Spreads
- Fillings
- Types of Sandwiches
- Making Sandwiches
Professional Cooking Module 12
Hors d ’Oeuvres and Breakfast
- Serving Hors d’Oeuvres
- Canapes
- Cocktails
- Relishes
- Dips
- Cooking Eggs
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French Toast
- Cereals
- Breakfast Meats
Professional Cooking Module 13
Dairy and Cooking for Vegetarian Diets
- Milk
- Cream
- Butter
- Cheese
- Coffee
- Tea
- Understanding Vegetarian Diets
- Menus for Vegetarian Diets
Professional Cooking Module 14
Sausages, Cold Foods and Presentation
- Curing
- Smoking
- Pates
- Terrines
- Aspic
- Special Forcemeat Dishes
- Hot Food Presentation
- Cold Food Presentation
- Buffet Arrangement
- Buffet Appearance
Professional Cooking Module 15
Baking Principles
- Formulas and Measurement
- Mixing
- Gluten Development
- The Baking Process
- Staling
- Yeast Product Types
- Steps in Yeast Dough Production
- Dough Formulas and Techniques
- Rolled-In Doughs
- Makeup Techniques
Professional Cooking Module 16
Breads and Cakes
- Quick Breads
- Mixing and Production Methods
- Formulas
- Understanding Cake Making
- Cake Formula Types
- Baking
- Cooling
- Common Cake Faults
- Altitude Adjustments
- Scaling
Professional Cooking Module 17
Cookies, Pies and Puddings
- Cooking Characteristics
- Types and Makeup Methods
- Panning
- Assembly
- Fillings
- Puff Pastry
- Éclair Paste
- Meringues
- Fruit Desserts
- Custards
- Frozen Desserts
**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**
Professional Catering
Professional Catering Module 1
Introduction to Catering
- Types of Catering
- On-Premise Catering
- Off-Premise Catering
- On-Site Catering
- Mobile Catering
- Starting Your Catering Business
- Creating a Business Plan
- Permits, Licenses and Insurance Policies
- Growing Your Catering Business
Professional Catering Module 2
Setting Up the Catering Kitchen
- Maximizing Profitability
- Calculating Food Cost
- Plating and Presenting for Profit
- Presentation Basics
- Kitchen Design and Construction
- Dietary Restrictions or Preferences
- Designing a Menu
- Catering Equipment
- Equipment for Preparing, Cooking and Baking Food
- Equipment for Food Holding, Assembling and Serving
- Receiving and Storage
Professional Catering Module 3
Staffing and Marketing
- Finding and Hiring Staff
- Advertising
- Interviewing
- Staff Training
- Managing Staff
- The 4 Ps of Marketing
- Brand Business
- Marketing Plan
Professional Catering Module 4
Event Planning
- Role of Caterer and Event Planner
- Initial Consultation
- Menu Design
- Money and Contracts
- Menu Pricing
- Budgeting
- Proposal
- Executing Events
Professional Catering Module 5
Food Preparation and Service
- Importance of Staff Training
- Table Service
- The Menu
- Recipe Manual
- Production Plan
- Theme, Event and Venue-Driven Menus
- Handling Foods
- Transporting Foods
Professional Catering Module 6
Management and Service
- Dining Room Management
- Beverage Management
- Brunch Buffets
- Corporate or Social Casual Lunch
- Outdoor Lunch Buffet or Barbecue
- Cocktail Parties
- Dinners
- Weddings
- Desserts
- Recipes for Catering
**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Marketing Module 1
Marketing Fundamentals
- What is Marketing and Value
- The History of Marketing
- Who Does Marketing?
- Delivering Customer Value
- Marketing Benefits Society
- The Value Proposition
- Strategic Planning
- Developing Organizational Objectives
- Strategic Portfolio Planning
Principles of Marketing Module 2
Consumer and Business Buying Behavior
- Factors that Influence Consumers’ Buying Behavior
- Stages in the Buying Process
- The Marketing Process: Crucial to Business Operations
- Situation Analysis
- Characteristics of Business to Business Markets
- B2B E-Commerce and Social Media Marketing
- International B2B Markets and Ethics in B2B Markets
Principles of Marketing Module 3
Market Segmenting, Targeting, and Positioning
- Targeted Marketing VS. Mass Marketing
- Segmenting and Targeting
- How Markets are Segmented
- Segmenting by Demographics
- Segmenting by Geography
- Selecting Target Markets
- Choosing Number of Markets to Target
- Positioning and Repositioning Offerings
Principles of Marketing Module 4
Product and Service Decisions
- What Comprises an Offering?
- Product, Price, and Service
- Product-Dominant Approach
- Service-Dominant Approach
- Types of Consumer Offerings
- Types of Business-to-Business Offerings
- Branding, Labeling, and Packaging
Principles of Marketing Module 5
Offerings and Marketing Channels
- New Offering Development Process
- Managing Products over the Course of the Product Life Cycle
- Marketing Channels and Channel Partners
- Typical Marketing Channels
- Functions Performed by Channel Partners
- Distribution
- Managing Inventory
- Marketing Channel Strategies
- Channel Dynamics
Principles of Marketing Module 6
Supply Chains
- Outsourcing and Offshoring
- Sourcing Strategies
- Supply Chain
- Product Tracking
- Demand Planning
- Inventory Control
- Warehousing and Transportation
- Track and Trace Systems
Principles of Marketing Module 7
Integrated Marketing Communications
- Consumer Purchasing Behavior
- Marketing Information Systems
- Marketing Research and Market Intelligence
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Promotion (Communication) Mix
- Communication Process
- Message Strategies
- Advertising and Direct Marketing
- Public Relations
Principles of Marketing Module 8
Digital Marketing and Professional Selling
- Technological Factors
- Email Marketing
- E-Commerce Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Mobile Marketing
- Professional Selling
- Sales Metrics
- Ethics in Sales and Sales Management
- Outsourcing the Sales Function
Principles of Marketing Module 9
Customer Satisfaction and Price
- Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Empowerment
- Ethics, Laws, and Customer Empowerment
- Pricing Framework
- Firm’s Pricing Objectives
- Factors that Affect Pricing Decisions
- Pricing Strategies
- Product Costs
- Price Adjustments
Principles of Marketing Module 10
The Marketing Plan
- Marketing Planning Roles
- Functions of a Marketing Plan
- Budget
- Forecasting
- Ongoing Marketing Planning and Evaluation
- The Marketing Audit
- Basic Principles of Marketing: Putting It All Together
**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**
Microsoft Excel® 2019
Microsoft Excel® 2019 Module 1
Working with Ranges
In Excel, a range is a group of two or more cells that work together rather than separately. The range is the basic function that makes Excel a powerful tool, and it is discussed in this module. We start by learning how to fill a range with values, move or copy them, and insert or delete them. After that we discuss range names and how to use them. We conclude by discussing how to format fonts, colors, alignments, numbers, column widths, row heights, and other range options.
- Excel’s Ribbon User Interface
- Data Entry
- Cell Formatting
- Working with Columns
- Editing Workbooks
Microsoft Excel® 2019 Module 2
Getting Organized
Once a range is populated and formatted, it’s time to do something with that data. In this module we discuss how to change page orientation, view your pages in Page Layout view, and how to print all or just some of your worksheets. We move on to discuss how to maintain and manipulate the worksheet, which is where you spend most time in Excel, then you will learn how worksheets and workbooks go together. We describe how to name your cells, find and replace information, and how to categorize and maintain multiple worksheets.
- Previewing Pages
- Printing
- Maintaining the Worksheet
- Multiple Worksheets
- What-If Analyses
Microsoft Excel® 2019 Module 3
Tables, Charts, and Graphics
Once you have your workbooks and worksheets created, it’s time to do something useful with your new tools. In this module we first discuss the purpose and multiple uses of Pivot tables. Then we dive into the basics of creating professional looking charts and graphics. Finally, we discuss how to set up and work with data lists in Excel, as well as how to link, automate, and share spreadsheets.
- Pivot Tables
- Working with Charts and Graphics
- Creating Data Lists
- Linking, Automating, and Sharing Spreadsheets
Microsoft Excel® 2019 Module 4
Using and Analyzing Data
In the last module of this course, we explore the do’s and don’ts of working with Excel and we discover important skills required to use Excel successfully. We also discuss how to manage and maintain loads of data and we identify trends in your data.
- Beginner Basics
- Commandments of Excel
- Managing Data
- Analyzing Data
Start Your Own Catering Business
Start Your Own Catering Business Module 1
So You Think You Want to Be a Caterer?
In module one, we will look at the pros and cons of starting your own business. Leaving the security of a job to start your own business can be scary, but in this module we will look at how working out of your home can be rewarding, especially since you are working in a career of your choice. In module one we will also take a look at the different business structures available and which will best suit your needs.
- Starting as a Personal Chef
- Working Out of Your Home
- Outfitting Your Kitchen
- How to Structure Your Business Plan
- Writing a Business Plan
Start Your Own Catering Business Module 2
Proposals, Legal Advice, and Marketing
Before starting your own business, there are several must-do items to take care of. Module two discusses how an attorney can help your business succeed. You’ll also be introduced to how to price your first menus, how to bid and write a successful proposal, and techniques for sales and marketing.
- Why You Need a Good Attorney
- Insurance
- How to Price Your First Menus
- The Art of Bidding and Writing a Proposal
- Sales and Marketing
Start Your Own Catering Business Module 3
Selling Your Business and Crunching the Numbers
Get ready to define your niche! In module three students will look at who their clients will be and what they need to do to promote their business. Module three will point students towards good habits that will help their business succeed. You’ll learn how to use photos and recipes to effectively sell your business, as well as invoicing, accounting, and making good use of your accountant.
- Photos
- Recipes
- Accounting Systems
- Invoicing
- The Menu and Start-Up
Start Your Own Catering Company Module 4
Catering Menus and Pulling it Off with Ease
Module four will go over the final catering event and tips for organizing your time and setting up your party. Students will review sample scheduling charts and time tables. After the event caterers should identify their strengths and weaknesses with report cards from staff and clients. Module four will discuss how to use this information to make improvements in their company.
- Organizing Your Time and the Party Setup
- Report Cards from Staff and Clients
- Solving Problems
- Catering Menus
- Quantity Recipes
Better Interpersonal Communication
Better Interpersonal Communication Module 1
Introduction to Communication
Because it’s such a commonplace activity, we usually don’t think about how we communicate too much. However, the power of effective, persuasive communication should never be underestimated. Your success in any number of settings—in your relationships, in school, on the job, and as a member of society— hinges on your ability to master the full communication process. Our first module discusses the basics of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as uses and misuses.
- Why We Communicate
- Verbal Communication
- Nonverbal Communication
- Uses and Misuses
- Cultural Differences and Language
Better Interpersonal Communication Module 2
Listening, Self-Esteem, and Self-Disclosure
Listening is the learned process of hearing, attending, evaluating, retaining, and responding to verbal and nonverbal messages. In this module we will learn more about each stage of the listening process: review both the benefits to listening, as well as the challenges to effective listening; and explore the ways in which you can improve your listening skills. We’ll also discuss the principles behind self-concepts and self-disclosure.
- Listening Process
- Benefits to Listening
- Steps for Improving Your Listening Skills
- Self-Concepts
- Self-Disclosure
Better Interpersonal Communication Module 3
Personality Styles and Perception
Do you notice that you act in different ways around certain people? Perhaps you act inhibited around your supervisor, but you wish you could act confident like you do around your co-workers and other colleagues. In other situations, you act polite and deferential around acquaintances, but may wish you could act more sociable like you do around your friends. In this module, we’ll discuss how personality styles effect communication as well as the perception process. Finally, we’ll explore the basics behind defense mechanisms.
- How Does Personality Style Effect Communication?
- Physiological and Psychological Factors of Perception
- Challenges to the Perception Process
- What is Defensiveness?
- Defense Mechanisms
Better Interpersonal Communication Module 4
Conflict and Electronic Communication
Interpersonal conflict occurs in interactions where there are real or perceived incompatible goals, scarce resources, or opposing viewpoints. We’ll discuss types of conflict and conflict styles in our final module, as well as characteristics of electronic communication.
- What is Conflict and What Contributes to It?
- Types of Conflict
- Conflict Styles
- What is Electronic Communication?
- Characteristics and Misuses of Electronic Communication
All course materials included.
Professional Cooking Part I
Professional Cooking Part II
Professional Catering
Upon successful completion of our Professional Catering course, students will be prepared, in part, to sit for the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) CPCE certification exam. Eligible candidates must have also worked in the catering & events industry full time within the past three years and have attended 30 hours of professional development in the past five years.
Note: This course is not affiliated with, nor has it been endorsed by the National Association for Catering & Events.
Principles of Marketing
Microsoft Excel® 2019
Start Your Own Catering Business
Better Interpersonal Communication
Internet Connection
- Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections
*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.
Hardware Requirements
- Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
- Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended
PC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems - Windows 7 or higher
- Microsoft Office 2013 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player
MAC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems - Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows
- Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- Apple QuickTime Media Player