Saturday, May 23, 2009

Chef Class - Five Steps to Pass With Flying Colors

Passing a chef class is easy for some, difficult for many. The culinary arts are complex, with many methods, recipes and tools a new cook needs to learn how to use properly. As there is a lot more to cooking than a microwave or throwing random ingredients into a pot and hoping it tastes good, knowing how to approach your classes will be of great use to you.

1: Remember the Details

Details are a fundamental part of cooking. One of the first things you need to keep in mind in order to pass a chef class is that your mentor will be watching for how attentive to detail you are. It is the small things, such as the placement of garnishes, the final touch of spice, and the presentation of a dish that separates an amateur cook from a professional one. Cooking is not a race, but an art that should be treated as so.

2: Take your Time.

You cannot rush cooking. If a recipe calls for a marinade of three hours, you need to marinade for three hours. Cutting the corners will destroy the flavor that you are attempting to make. A master chef knows this, as do the instructors teaching you. If you desire to pass your chef class, follow the recipe to the letter. Once you advance, improvisation will occur. When you are learning, however, you need a fundamental grasp on the basics of the culinary arts. An established cookery that may hire you will also not allow variances in their recipes, as the variances will affect the customer's dining experience.

3: Ask Questions.

You are participating in classes to learn. Learning requires exercising your mind and asking questions you may have. Your instructor is being paid to answer questions. Ask them. The only stupid question is the one you do not ask.

4: Come prepared.

If your instructor tells you to read about a cooking method, chances are you will be using that method in the next lab. Skipping your assigned work can cause you confusion, and earn you a failing grade for the course. Come prepared. It will save you headache and time.

5: Don't give up.

Learning how to cook can be challenging and tedious. Even master chefs had to begin somewhere, and that somewhere was a kitchen. It may take you time to grasp the more challenging concepts and get a feel for how to cook. If you give up, you will never succeed.

Passing a chef class takes a great deal of time and effort, but the rewards will last a lifetime. As there is always a need for chefs, you will be entering a stable career, as well as giving you skills that you can use at home on a daily basis.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster

Thinking of Starting a Plumbing Training Course?

Good choice. Plumbing is one of the few trades always in demand - no matter how much the economy wobbles. There are over 22 million households in the UK and most will need plumbing services at some stage! In fact if you've ever tried to find a good plumber yourself, you'll know that they're pretty scarce.

A plumber training course can give you all the qualifications you need to enter the industry - and even start working for yourself. Whether you want to switch careers, or get your first step on the job ladder, a course in plumbing is a great way to gain the skills to succeed.

Is now a good time to start a plumbing course?

UK plumbers are in decline. Thousands of Eastern European migrant workers are returning home because of the downturn in construction and the weakening pound. Add to that the hundreds of plumbers attracted to Australia through recruitment drives, and it's predicted there will be a big shortage of NVQ skilled plumbers in the coming years.

So, now is a great time to consider starting a plumber training course. Equipping yourself with the right skills could put you in a very strong position to take advantage in future.

What to look for in a plumbing course

UK workers should look for courses that offer qualifications through the City & Guilds, BPEC, LOGIC and CITB certifications, all the way to NVQ Level 2 and Level 3. That might seem like a long list of letters, but in other words it's all the certification you need to become a qualified plumber.

These days you don't have to attend your local college to get the qualifications you need. There are now online plumbing courses that allow you to work through the theory in your own time - while still offering hours of practical training. This is ideal for those looking for a fresh new career change later in life.

The advantages of NVQ plumbing courses

NVQ is a seal of quality. NVQ plumbing courses not only equip you with the skills you need to become a plumber, they give you qualifications which are attractive to employers and customers alike. You may find that you're able to secure larger contracts on more high-profile construction jobs than plumbers without qualifications.

Fitting a course in plumbing around family commitments

The internet has opened up a whole new way of learning. You can gain key skills in your own time, from your own home - then combine them with practical and on-site training. You should expect at least as many workshop hours as a local college plumbing course, but with added flexibility.

Although it can be daunting trying to switch careers with a family to support - with online and flexible learning, you can now easily fit NVQ plumbing courses around your family commitments.

After your plumbing training course - what to expect

Where you go next after you've completed your course is up to you. You could start working for a larger company. You might join a smaller specialist outfit. You may want to break out on your own and enjoy the freedom and financial rewards of being your own boss.

Whatever you end up choosing to do, with the right skills and plumbing training qualifications, you should find that there are lots of opportunities available - and this looks set to grow in the future.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Neilston

4 Hot Tips to Get Schooled About Nursing Schools

Have you done your nursing school homework? If you want to become a registered nurse, you must find the perfect nursing school for you. Whether you are a new high school graduate or an adult who wants to switch careers, a nursing school will help your dreams to come true.

Of course, the very first step is to ensure that nursing is the profession for you. Quite frankly, while nursing can be a rewarding profession, it can be equally demanding. Another reality to consider is that not everyone can be a nurse. That is not to say that it is an elitist profession. Some people simply do not have the temperament to become an effective nurse. After verifying that you want to become a nurse, follow these tips to find the best nursing school for you:

1. Choose whether to become a practical nurse or a registered nurse

It is important simply to remember that these two types of nurses exist. Although some practical nurses later become registered nurses, the vast majority of them do not take that step. Becoming a practical nurse requires schooling that lasts between 10-12 months. Meanwhile, to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must attend nursing school for at least two years. To specialize in a particular field, you may need to attend schooling for up to three times that time length.

2. Consider a Bachelor of Science in nursing

One path to become an RN includes a college degree as well. This way is particularly ideal for seniors who are graduating from high school. It allows you to kill two birds with one stone-earning a four-year degree, and simultaneously becoming an RN.

Many of your options in selecting a four-year nursing program via college are the same as for any other college students. You must decide whether you want to attend a college closer to home, or farther away. This is basically up to your personality. If you are somewhat of a homebody, going away to school could be overwhelming.

3. Stay closer to home if you are an adult education student

Typically, this will be your best option, as you can stay closer to your home and workplace. When you are juggling a career, a family, AND schooling, then your time and energy are precious. You might even consider distance learning, as you could study from the convenience of your own home.

4. Talk with alumni from particular nursing schools

To get a better overview of a particular nursing school, talk to roughly five nurses in your area who graduated from that school. This will allow you to learn which schools best prepare their students for state tests and the rigors of nursing. They are already performing nursing duties, while wearing cheap urbane scrubs.

When choosing a nursing school, the key is to choose the right one for you. By following the aforementioned tips, you can help to find schools that meet your schooling and professional needs. Get schooled about nursing schools, before choosing one!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brent_McNutt