If you’re looking for a new career or want to upgrade your employment skills, look no further! SIRCH Community Services is offering another season of its training programs, Cook It Up and Ready For Retail.
Registration is now open for these free programs that start January 29, 2020, and run for 16 weeks. Training takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. Up to 12 participants can enroll in each program. Help with transportation, clothing, and footwear, may be available to those who need it.
Cook It Up
Cook It Up is for adults 18 and older who want to work in restaurants, camps, or start a food business. Participants will learn menu planning, following recipes, knife skills, and serving customers. In addition, participants will earn certifications in Safe Food Handling, Smart Serve, First Aid, and WHMIS.
The Cook It Up practical skills are taught by trained chefs who work in this community—Jay McIvor is SIRCH’s Food Initiatives Coordinator, and Amanda Goertzen is a chef at Bonnie View Inn.
And once again in 2020, Cook It Up will be cooking three-course lunches at Molly’s Bistro Bakery in Minden, in exchange for customers giving support and feedback to the trainees. Every Tuesday starting in March their lunches will be served to the public at no cost.
“If you haven’t worked in a while, or lack confidence, Cook It Up is a great way to re-enter the workforce,” said Jay McIvor, SIRCH’s Food Initiatives Coordinator. “Along with learning kitchen skills, you’ll gain confidence working as part of a team.”
Ready For Retail
Ready For Retail is for adults 18 and older who want to work in stores, markets, or start a retail business. Participants will learn about serving customers, handling cash, inventory management, and merchandizing. Participants will earn certifications in First Aid, and WHMIS.
Ready For Retail trainees will be placed in businesses that match their interests.
“Ready For Retail is extremely popular with both participants and local businesses,” said Dianne Woodcock, SIRCH’s Ready For Retail Coordinator. “Trainees gain practical experience that help lead to jobs, and local businesses gain new employees with relevant skills and training.”
Ready For Retail classroom material is taught by Lynda Shephard who is developing training for SIRCH and Dianne Woodcock who has coordinated the practical placements in local retail businesses for the past two years. Instructors will build skills in a supportive, fun and encouraging environment, and this year trainees will be placed in a retail establishment one day a week starting in March.
These programs would not be available without the support of City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services.
Adults interested in the Cook It Up or Ready For Retail training programs should contact SIRCH at 705-457-1742 or at info@sirch.on.ca.