Is cooking regarded as a trade job?

I'm considering a career in the culinary arts and trying to figure out if cooking is generally seen as a trade job. Do I need to go to culinary school, or are there other paths to becoming a chef?

Cooking, particularly at the professional chef level, is often considered a trade job. This refers to the fact that it involves specific skills that are typically learned through hands-on experience rather than a generalized college education. There are various pathways into pursuing a career in cooking.

1. Culinary School: This is a widely recognized path to becoming a professional chef. Here, you would learn cooking techniques, food science, menu planning, and even kitchen management. Some renowned institutions include the Culinary Institute of America or Le Cordon Bleu.

2. Apprenticeships: This option involves working directly under an experienced chef to learn the trade. This hands-on learning approach can provide practical experience and knowledge that's directly relevant to running a kitchen.

3. Self-taught & experience: Many successful chefs have started at the bottom of the restaurant hierarchy, perhaps as a dishwasher or a line cook, and worked their way up learning on the job. They may have also practiced and experimented with cooking independently.

Keep in mind that regardless of the path you choose, becoming a successful chef usually involves a combination of formal education, hands-on training, and culinary passion. Ultimately, the best pathway for you will depend on your own learning preferences, career goals, and other personal factors. Each route offers its own set of advantages and experiences that can contribute to your overall skill and mastery in the culinary arts.