Students in the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Culinary Arts Program received extra help getting "FIT" for the job market today by learning from industry professionals who volunteered to talk to students about the skills required for success. Culinary students from SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter and Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High Schools took part in the Force In Training (FIT), learning about topics such as interview skills, professionalism, and confidence. The training was part of the California Restaurant Association Education Foundation's ongoing outreach to high school and college students.
Palmiter and Hickey are two of many schools participating in the FIT initiative statewide. FIT is specifically geared toward ProStart classrooms, a program in which SCOE students learn culinary and management/operations basics and core competencies. FIT is offered through the California Restaurant Association Education Foundation which provides culinary arts and hospitality management career exploration programs for students. In addition to "soft" skills such as teamwork and positive attitude, FIT volunteers also shared personal anecdotes about their experiences and offered advice to the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
"Our Culinary Program has been life-changing for our students," said Chef/Instructor Jeff Zahniser. "Every day, I come to work knowing they are gaining a passion for teamwork and taking pride in their work. What they learn in our Culinary classroom will prove invaluable to them wherever they choose to go."
SCOE students from the Palmiter and Hickey campuses have the opportunity to work at the student-run Culinary Café, located at 2040 Ethan Way (corner of Ethan and Cottage, near Arden Fair Mall). The Café is currently accepting lunch reservations for Thursday seatings. Those interested in making lunch reservations should call (916) 228-2039.