For young people looking to get their foot through the proverbial door of the culinary industry, there may be no better opportunity than the Cook Apprenticeship Program at Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery in Raymond.
“We have tailored this program to coincide with the training for our cook position,” explained Tuckaway Tavern’s Assistant Executive Chef Jen Hiller.
Standards in the program, she continued, were made to train apprentices to work on different preparation and cooking techniques as well as equipment safety and knowledge of various cooking vessels, minor management of staff and health code laws.
“We train these individuals for 6,000 hours over the course of 3 years with on the job training as well as relevant schooling,” she added.
As for whom is targeted by the program, Hiller said it is particularly beneficial for those in high school or freshly graduated individuals looking to enhance and further their respective culinary interests.
“With completion of this program, we would ideally hire right away given the path the apprentice chooses,” she said. “Our program coincides with our business so hiring these individuals after would be a definite plus for us.”
Regrading the rationale behind the program, Hiller said they developed it as a support system for those considering culinary as a future career.
“This program opens up the initial world of cooking to those interested and provides support in the form of mentors,” she said. “We want to give young people the most attentive training possible with attention to detail throughout the entire process.”
The program, Hiller noted, makes business sense from an employer’s perspective.
“It is beneficial for us as employers to be able to train someone for the exact position that fits our company and the goals we have as a whole,” she said.
Developed and implemented within the past year, the program currently employs one apprentice.
“She is eager to learn the process and details needed to become a cook and all the branches we offer here with that position,” said Hiller. “This is a great stepping stone for her to fine tune what road she would like to take at the Tuckaway come the end of this program with us.”
Hiller also cited the program helps to meet civic responsibilities.
“As a business, it is also great knowing that she has proper training preparing her for whatever path she chooses,” she said.
In looking to the future, Hiller said it is their hope to take on another apprentice within the next year.
“We are in the works of developing a manager training program and excited to start that process, too.”
To learn more about Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery, visit https://www.thetuckaway.com.