Loyalist College Assists East Northumberland Secondary School in Creating Leading Edge Culinary Facility and Program
On December 13th, Loyalist College joined in the celebration at East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) at the official opening of the high school’s new, state-of-the-art culinary lab. Prior to the launch of the facility, the College assisted ENSS with creating student interest in the program and provided design input to ensure that the facility would be one where students could develop their cooking skills at an optimal level.
“Through our partnership with Loyalist College we were able to move forward with our school board to access Ministry dollars and create this culinary lab and program of which we are so very proud,” said Steve Truelove, Principal of ENSS. “The College’s suggestions for the kitchen layout, equipment and supplies were invaluable. I would especially like to acknowledge Professor John Schneeberger. Chef John visited ENSS weekly from Loyalist to promote an interest within our student body regarding our culinary program. His commitment to helping us develop this program was phenomenal.”
At present, ENSS students who wish to complete the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Cook Level I, can do so at Loyalist College. The apprenticeship has two levels, and when requirements are completed, the student writes a provincial examination in order to attain their Red Seal certification. High school students who successfully complete the OYAP obtain co-op high school credits, and those graduating with a B average or higher qualify for exemption from the first semester of Loyalist’s Culinary program.
“This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when partnerships are formed,” said George Burton, Vice-President, Enrolment Management and Student Services. “Seeing the excitement on these students’ faces and knowing what an amazing opportunity it is for them to learn in a facility such as this makes everyone’s involvement so worthwhile. ENSS students have been strong contenders and champions in Loyalist’s Junior Iron Chef competition for several years. With their culinary lab under construction they were unable to register for this year’s upcoming competition in February, but we are confident that they will return next year with renewed enthusiasm.”
For more information regarding Loyalist’s Culinary programs, please contact Jim Whiteway, Chair, Schools of Business, Biosciences and Justice Studies at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2329.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Jim Whiteway, Chair, Schools of Business, Biosciences and Justice Studies, ext. 2329