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ZADK x Catrion Associate Diploma Program in Culinary Arts 

We are excited to welcome passionate future chefs to the ZADK x Catrion Associate Diploma Program in Culinary Arts, a unique pathway designed to help you build a meaningful career in the culinary and hospitality industry. 

Through this one-year program, students will gain the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to start their careers in operational kitchens and contribute to the growing food sector in Saudi Arabia. 

The program is delivered at ZADK Saudi Culinary Arts Academy in Al-Khobar and is sponsored by Catrion, one of the leading companies in the food and hospitality sector. 

 

Training Year – Learn, Train, and Grow in Al-Khobar 

During the training year, students will study at ZADK under the Associate Diploma Program in Culinary Arts. 

The program includes: 

• Program duration: 1 year
• Total hours: 912 hours
• Practical hours: 556 hours
• Theoretical hours: 356 hours
• Total credit hours: 42 credit hours
• Number of courses: 15 subjects

 

During this year, students will: 

• Receive a monthly stipend of SAR 4,000 during the training year only  

• Be registered under Catrion’s GOSI and health insurance  

• Learn and train in a professional culinary environment  

• Build the foundation needed to work professionally in operational kitchens  

 

Please note that accommodation and transportation are not provided during the training year, so applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly. 

Courses 

Students will study a wide range of culinary, operational, and professional development subjects, including: 

• Fundamentals of Classical Cooking  

• Self-Marketing Skills  

• Operational Concepts – Level 1  

• Operational Concepts – Level 2  

• Food Safety and Hygiene  

• Saudi Cuisine  

• Nutrition  

• Global Pastry and Bakery Arts  

• Sustainability  

• Entrepreneurship  

• Kitchen Management  

• Foods from Around the World  

• Garde Manger – Cold Food Preparation  

• Culinary Science  

• Workplace Communication – Business Communication Skills  

 

Program Objectives 

The Associate Diploma Program in Culinary Arts aims to: 

• Provide students with fundamental knowledge in culinary arts and related subjects  

• Develop students’ theoretical and practical culinary skills  

• Prepare students to work professionally in operational kitchens  

• Help students gain the experience needed to start their careers in the culinary field  

• Meet the food sector’s demand for professional chefs  

• Support Saudization efforts and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030  

Employment Year – Begin Your Culinary Career with Catrion 

After successfully graduating from ZADK, students will continue their journey with Catrion as full-time employees for one year, with a monthly salary of SAR 7,000. 

Graduates may be placed in one of Catrion’s kitchens and operations across Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, or Medina. Location preferences may be considered; however, final placement will depend on business needs. 

 

About the Role with Catrion 

Upon successful graduation, students will join Catrion under the job title Demi Chef De Partie, where they will gain real-world experience in professional kitchen operations. 

The role includes key responsibilities such as receiving and preparing raw materials, processing and cooking meats, chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients, preparing soups, salads, hot and cold appetizers, oriental dishes, and menu items. Graduates will also support the plating and preparation of cooked dishes for service, while ensuring proper cleaning of cooking tools and food utensils, in addition to following safety, hygiene, and public health procedures. 

 

Eligibility Criteria 

To be considered for the ZADK x Catrion Associate Diploma Program under HRDF’s scholarship pathway, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a Saudi national  

• Be between 18 and 35 years old  

• Hold a high school certificate or above  

• Have a good level of English, as the program is delivered in English  

• Be passionate about culinary arts and willing to build a career in the food and hospitality sector  

• Be medically fit to work in a professional kitchen environment  

• Be willing to commit to the full training year at ZADK in Al-Khobar  

• Be willing to work with Catrion for one year after graduation  

• Be willing to work in one of Catrion’s locations across Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, or Medina, based on business needs  

 

HRDF Eligibility Conditions 

As the program is supported through HRDF, applicants must also meet HRDF eligibility requirements, including: 

• The applicant must not be employed during the 2-year commitment period. 

• The applicant must not be registered as a student in another educational institution during the 2-year commitment period. 

• The applicant must not have an active commercial registration under their name during the 2-year commitment period. 

• The applicant must not have previously benefited from HRDF support, or must meet HRDF’s required period since previous support, depending on HRDF’s eligibility confirmation. 

• The applicant must complete any required HRDF, Jadarat/Taqat, GOSI, or related registration steps when requested. 

Please note that final eligibility is subject to verification and approval by the relevant entities. 

 

Selection Process 

Candidates who move forward in the selection process will complete: 

• Two interviews with ZADK  

• One interview with Catrion  

• Medical checks  

• Background checks  

Final approval will be subject to successful completion of all required stages. 

This is your chance to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation in one of the most inspiring industries – hospitality and culinary arts. 

 

To start please register at this link: Signup 

We look forward to learning your story and seeing your passion shine.

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