November was a hectic time for the 18 students in Saskatchewan Tourism’s ready to work program at Lakeland College.
First came the major luncheon project on 9 separate days through the month, then came a Chamber mixer at Lloydminster's Common Wealth Centre to further put their hospitality skills to the test.
The luncheons are a regular part of the program. Held at the Grace United Church Hall in downtown Lloydminster, students plan, prepare, present and serve a variety of menus over the month. Luncheons are so popular that they are quickly booked solid by Lakeland staff and the community.
The students are comfortable with what they are doing. They are open to questions and they have a noticeable sense of teamwork,” say Howard and Wally Barnsley, two luncheon diners.
This year’s schedule featured an ethnic day—First Nation’s Fusion—with a menu that included a wild rice and blueberry soup with bannock. An elder also performed a sweet grass ceremony grace.
For the Chamber mixed, each student spent 8 hours preparing for the event as they followed and converted recipes then baked, chopped, assembled and presented foods. They also gained hands-on experience practicing techniques in food storage, food transportation, mixology, service etiquette and facility decorating.
“It was obvious that guests at the Chamber Mixer were very impressed with the students’ work,” says Margo Hines, Saskatchewan region business facilitator at the college.
In addition to teaching new skills, the program helps students boost their confidence.“The program has increased my self confidence and self-worth which will help me find a job,” says Delma Cook. “I never thought that I would finish this program, but with the help of my instructors, I have worked through some difficulties and now I know I will finish.”
Melissa Chief, another student in the program, adds that despite working in a café before, the program has taught her knife skills, meal planning, food presentation and how to convert recipes.“I am not so shy now, and I can solve problems and better communicate with my coworkers,” says Chief.
Students in the ready to work program finished their training Nov. 27. Some students have secured employment while the others are working with the program’s case manager to find jobs. The case manager follows the students for six months after their program completion to monitor their success.
The next ready to work programs starts in February.