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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Is food your first love? Looking to take your skills to the next level?</p>
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<p>If so, now’s your chance to learn more about one of the region’s most exciting new culinary schools – the Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry.</p>
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<p>The college will host an Enrollment Expo for prospective students on Thursday, June 17, at its New River Campus in Bluffton.</p>
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<p>“What a great time to enroll with this program, and what a great time to be in this business,” said Chef Miles Huff, Dean of the institute.</p>
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<p>As the tourism and hospitality industry continues to emerge from the pandemic, there’s been an ongoing demand for workers – especially employees with the right skills set, Huff said.</p>
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<p>“Wages are up 30 percent and often come with a sign-on bonus, and that’s just from a few months ago,” he said.</p>
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<p>While the Culinary Institute is set to open this fall, enrollment has already begun. In fact, a number of students have already started moving through the institute’s “fast-track” summer program which began this month.</p>
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<p>As Huff explained, students enrolled in the expedited program take four classes in just seven weeks putting them at the head of the class when the institute opens this fall.</p>
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<p>At the upcoming Expo, those interested in attending the institute will have an opportunity to learn more about its three program areas: Baking &amp; Pastry, Culinary and Hospitality.</p>
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<p>In addition, information on scholarships and financial aid as well as application assistance will be provided on-site. And the best part of all – faculty and staff will be on hand to answer any questions prospective students may have, Huff said.</p>
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<p>“The admissions team will be available to talk to you about your next steps and walk you through the enrollment process,” he said. “And our chefs will be available to discuss our programs.”</p>
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<p>The Expo is 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 17, at the New River Campus, 100 Community Drive, in Bluffton. For additional details and to RSVP visit www.tcl.edu/exporsvp.</p>
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