Apply to BCC Culinary Arts Certificate Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is accepting applications to its Culinary Arts certificate program, a seven-week apprenticeship program preparing students for careers in culinary arts.  

The Culinary Arts apprenticeship program combines instruction in the classroom and in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with professional work in the field. After seven weeks of foundational coursework, focusing on core culinary skills and knowledge, students will apply their knowledge and receive further practical training while already working professionally with BCC’s educational partners. 

"Graduating from the culinary program at BCC gave me the hands-on skills and confidence I needed to step straight into a professional kitchen. What made the program truly helpful was the practical, daily kitchen training and the one-on-one mentorship from Alexia, who taught us not just how to cook, but how to work efficiently under pressure," said graduate Owen Corbett. "The small class sizes meant I got real feedback on my knife skills, flavor pairings, and plating every single day. I also appreciated the local industry connections, which made it possible for me to balance my education with real-world work. I now feel fully prepared for my next steps in the culinary industry." 

Successful graduates, who earn the industry-recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, will be job-ready for a wide range of food service employment opportunities, including school cafeterias, hospital kitchens, private households and restaurants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chefs and head cooks in Massachusetts earn a median hourly wage of $37.08 and an annual mean wage of $77,120. 

To apply to BCC, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/apply. For more information, email admissions@berkshirecc.edu.

 


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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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