L.A. restaurants are struggling with closures due to rising costs, wildfires, and immigration raids. Yet, enrollment at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College's culinary program increased by 13% last year and almost 30% since 2019. This growth contrasts with many culinary schools closing, like Le Cordon Bleu in 2017. Graduates attribute their success to the program's focus on real-world skills. Culinary graduate Katya Shastova emphasized the importance of formal education in developing techniques, while instructor Robert Wemischner noted students' passion for pursuing careers despite uncertain circumstances.
"Going to school is super important - I tell that to the young cooks we have. Some people think you can learn in the kitchen. Yes, you can. But when you come into a kitchen with techniques that are already embedded in you ... it puts you on a different level."
"Even at a point when the landscape is bleak, or rather uncertain ... the students wish to find a career, pursue a passion, and make a living out of it."
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