A group of 22 high school teachers from throughout the province chose to spend a week of their summer vacation with Chef John Schneeberger at Loyalist College for an intense one-week training session on culinary techniques. The program was initiated by Chef John, the coordinator of the Culinary Skills – Chef Training and Culinary Management programs at the College. This is the third consecutive year that it has been held. The program was funded by the Ontario Government Partners to Articulate Student Success (PASS).
"Our goal with this course was to give these teachers realistic tools that can be used in their classrooms," explained Chef John. "The preparation for this program was very complex because the participants have such a wide range of culinary skills and training. I had met several of them prior to the course while visiting their schools. I’ve assisted them with fundraisers and discussed the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the culinary field. We want high school students to be excited and thinking about which post-secondary school is best for them. This one-week course is the perfect opportunity for teachers to see what we’re doing here at Loyalist and the great things their students can expect to learn from our programs."
"Chef John is an amazing chef and a dynamic instructor who has rekindled my creativity and passion for the culinary field," said Jennifer Clarke from Nantyr Shores Secondary School in Innisfil. "The hospitality industry is growing, which means career opportunities for our students. Too often we settle into familiar teaching routines. This week has not only updated us on proper procedures, but sparked a love for the industry that should be part of our students’ learning experience."
"I teach within 20 minutes of Humber and Georgian Colleges, but after this week I’m introducing my students to the Loyalist program," commented Sean Griffin from Bradford District High School and a Red Seal Journeyman, an internationally recognized standard of quality in the culinary industry. "Chef John’s down-to-earth style of sharing information is excellent. He definitely sold me on Loyalist."
Bonnie Bishop from Arnprior District High School is teaching hospitality and tourism for the first time. "This course was phenomenal. Chef John’s passion for food and cooking is contagious. I’m definitely leaving Loyalist with the WOW factor."
"Loyalist offers both a one-year certificate in Culinary Skills – Chef Training and a two-year Culinary Management diploma program," explained Dan Holland, Dean of Business and Management Studies, Bioscience, Justice Studies and Corporate Training. "The food service industry employs over a million Canadians and job opportunities are abundant. The diploma program prepares graduates to enter this field with solid skills in marketing, entrepreneurship and all aspects of managing a restaurant. We hope this group of teachers will share their excitement about these programs with their students, giving them a glimpse of how rewarding these careers can be."
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Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913 ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca, or Dan Holland, ext. 2328