After graduating from Second Harvest’s 16-week Culinary Training Program, 470 inspiring individuals have started new careers and turned the page to new life chapters. The program is only the beginning for these hardworking graduates.
What comes next for them is to apply the new kitchen and life skills learned during their training. Penielle, a recent graduate, says, “I plan to seek opportunities to learn from experienced chefs in professional kitchens. Continuous learning and practice are crucial to becoming a skilled and successful cook.”
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I plan to seek opportunities to learn from experienced chefs in professional kitchens. Continuous learning and practice are crucial to becoming a skilled and successful cook.”
– Penielle
Lifelong learning is an emphasis of the program. Being successful in the industry is more than learning basic skills. Measuring success over the long term requires consistency, effort and the desire and love for the craft. Asjah, a recent program graduate, says, “I just plan on continuing to practice and keep learning and gaining more knowledge. I want to be able to spread my knowledge amongst everyone if possible. I plan to work my way up the culinary scale while still learning, caring for myself, and living the best I can.”
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I plan to work my way up the culinary scale while still learning, caring for myself, and living the best I can.”
– Asjah
The classroom culture and life skills lessons set by the chef instructors and program managers cultivate the desire in students like Penielle and Asjah to continue learning. This is done by exposing students to cuisine from different backgrounds and practicing the skills they learn with at-home assignments. During life skills, students go through a goal-setting workshop where principles like S.M.A.R.T. goals help them set goals and measure success over time.
Creating hope for the future starts with foundational skills. Instilling a passion for lifelong learning empowers the students to grow in their culinary journeys.
