General Information & Policies
Program Overview
Our classes are designed for beginners and experienced students alike. Our Gelato and Soft Serve Classes provide a broad understanding of how to produce these products and build a successful business based on quality. Our Pastry and Specialty Frozen Dessert Classes focus on different pastry and desserts options out there and how to effectively produce and sell them. But in all cases, our signature approach has been to provide students with both a solid classroom learning experience and hands-on instruction. It is our personal goal to make sure that no one leaves our classes disappointed or ill-equipped to succeed in their business.
We offer the following class types:
- Gelato (Three-day course)
- Soft Serve (One-day course)
- Pastry (Two-day course)
- Specialty Frozen Desserts (Two-day course)
Typical Class Structure
As a general rule, classes last eight hours and normally run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, make sure to check the curriculum of each class for the detailed information. The classes consist of two parts: classroom theory and hands-on participation. Our instructors are always available during breaks if you'd like to go over the class topics or discuss your individual needs. Lunch is provided by PreGel AMERICA.
Consecutive-Day Classes
Please note that many of our classes are offered on consecutive days. This means that rather than coming for only one or two days of training, we recommend you to enroll in a couple classes, making it convenient and flexible.
Our Instructors and Classroom Assistants
Attendees are encouraged to explore the world of gelato and frozen desserts under the guidance of our distinguished instructors. The most famous chefs and experts in the field will bring all of their experiences to the classroom. One or more assistants are also assigned to each class to complement the instructor.
Continuing Education Hours
The Training Center's core classes have been approved by The American Culinary Federation (ACF) for Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Classes indicated with CEHs meet the ACF continuing education standards. Attendance at these classes will earn ACF continuing education hours (CEHs) towards ACF initial and renewal certification.
Awarding of Certificates
A Certificate of Completion is awarded to each student completing any of our classes. The certificate affirms that each student has passed a test and reached a specific standard of knowledge.
Equipment
Our brand new, fully-equipped Training Facility has a variety of the batch freezers, display cases, blast freezers and soft serve machines that will give you a great opportunity to choose from the latest technologies in the business.
Recipes
Recipes and instructions are provided for class use and are encouraged to be taken home.
Leftovers
At the end of class leftovers may be taken by students in plastic to-go containers.
Clothing
We suggest you dress in comfortable, casual clothing and flat, comfortable shoes. You may not wear open-toed shoes or sandals. PreGel will provide aprons.
Hygiene
Make sure to wash and sanitize your hands every time before making any product in the kitchen.
Cellular Phone Policy
Cellular phones must be turned off or placed on silent at all times while class is in session. While we request that you do not talk on your phone during class, you may do so if necessary in the hallway, outside of the classroom or kitchen. Cellular phones are permissible during the scheduled break periods.
Directions
The PreGel AMERICA Professional Training Center is located at 4450 Fortune Ave. NW, Concord, NC 28027, just northeast of Charlotte. It takes approximately 30 minutes (25 miles) to drive from Charlotte Douglas Airport to our facility. The local airport code for Charlotte Douglas Airport is CLT.
Accommodations and Airport Shuttle Service
We are pleased to offer you this list of local hotel accommodations and partnering airport shuttle service. The hotels are nearby and offer a special rate for our students. Please remember to mention PreGel AMERICA to lock in the corporate rate that includes transportation each morning only to PreGel for the training classes and each afternoon back to the hotel. Please remember to ask the front desk about the scheduled departure time.
Airport Shuttle Service
On the Wagon Shuttle, LLC
Contact Person: Ric Starnes
Phone: 704-449-4279
Web site: www.callonthewagon.com
Rates: $40 for transportation from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to PreGel AMERICA or nearby hotels.
Accommodations
Home-Towne Suites
Phone: 704-788-2140
Address: 3200 Cloverleaf Parkway
Kannapolis, NC 28083
Web site: Home-Town Suites - Kannapolis
Corporate Rate Code: LPGA1 (no transportation) , LPGA2 (with transportation)Distance from PreGel AMERICA: 4.4 miles, approximately 7 minutes
Hampton Inn & Suites
Phone: 704-979-5600
Address: 9850 Weddington Road
Concord, NC 28027
Web site: www.hamptoninn.com
Corporate Account Number: 0002696541
Distance from PreGel AMERICA: 6.85 miles, approximately 8 minutes
Wingate By Wyndham
Phone: 704-979-1300 (hotel direct) or 1-800-228-1000 (Central Reservations)
Address: 7841 Gateway Lane NW
Distance from PreGel AMERICA: 7.3 miles, approximately 12 minutes
Hilton Garden Inn
Phone: 704-979-2900 (hotel direct) or 1-877-782-9444 (Central Reservations)
Address: 7831 Gateway Lane NW
Concord, NC 28027
Web site: Hilton Garden InnDistance from PreGel AMERICA: 7.3 miles, approximately 12 minutes
General Policies
Class Fees
PreGel AMERICA charges a single registration fee of $35.00 per person. This fee is for course materials, handouts and general administration. PreGel offers lunch during all of our training classes free of charge. Please note that registration cannot be confirmed until payment is received.
Cancellation
In case you are unable to attend a scheduled class, please let us know as soon as possible (preferably one week ahead of time). PreGel AMERICA reserves the right to cancel our classes. In case of cancellation, all students will be notified a week in advance and the registration fee will be credited.
Photographs and Videos
No recordings, audio or video are permitted during the classes. You are welcome to take photographs inside Training Center. Photographs of anything outside of the designated Training Center are prohibited.
Allergens
If you have any allergic reactions to certain foods or ingredients please let us know before the start of the class.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may be used in certain classes for gelato and pastry production. However, outside alcohol cannot be brought into the classes. School participants may be asked to present identification to prove that they are of legal North Carolina State drinking age and will be held responsible for limiting their consumption of alcohol to safe amount. Pregnant women, people who will be driving, and people on certain medications should not consume alcohol.
Smoking
No smoking of tobacco products is permitted within the PreGel facilities or on the property at any time.
