We like to give students who are interested in a work experience the opportunity to apply for a kitchen placement. This gives them a chance to work with my kitchen team consisting of Helga, a George Brown College Graduate from the Culinary Program who has worked with us at WLE for over six years and JoAnn who has been with us for over 20 years and who enjoys preparing homemade desserts with the boys. My career in food services began in the Netherlands with a Hotel school education and then a progression of small restaurants, cruise ships, large hotels and catering. I have been with Wendigo Lake for over eight years and particulary enjoy mentoring students in the profession of food services.
Students learn and practice a wide variety of transferable skills that will come in handy in their private and working life. Working towards a goal is one skill they learn because a student must do well in the regular program before applying for a work placement in the kitchen. The student applies with a resume and cover letter and attends an interview. When the student’s placement is approved, he will be involved in preparations and planning of daily food requirements for students and staff. The student learns to use math and reading skills to follow recipes. A kitchen placement also teaches organization and time management skills. The placement experience teaches the importance of meeting Health department standards while practicing the 'clean as you go' rule.
The student will learn to recognize tasks that he can perform and show initiative and demonstrate a willingness to do well. The student also learns that food can be a powerful tool to show people that you care and an opportunity to develop self-respect and confidence from doing a good job and serving others.
Jo Rogge
Supervisor, Food Services
No comments:
Post a Comment