Nicolle: Culinary Arts Program
FACT: when most people think of skills and technical training they think of carpenters and electricians.
Nicolle Conti, a self-motivated learner and recent graduate of the Individual Learning Centre, is slicing and dicing this misconception. After taking the Trades Exploration course at Claremont Secondary, where she had a hands on experience learning carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding and metal fabrication, she charted a new course.
A creative hands on thinker Nicolle has always had an affinity for thinking outside the box. Through her career counsellor at ILC, she learned of the Red Seal chef's course at Camosun College. Her affinity blossomed through her father's encouragement and love of the culinary arts so she decided to pursue a passion that she has always been interested in, creating and cooking healthy and nutritious food.
“I’m a hands on learner; I love the arts and being crafty. Plus my dad is always encouraged me to be unique – so it really came natural to me. I knew culinary arts was the direction I was headed, but I wanted to do my homework on all skills training options.”
Nicolle’s skills training plan evolved from first speaking to a career councillor to educating herself on labour market information throughout B.C.
“I first educated myself on the various skills and technical training opportunities in B.C., but then focused on B.C.’s labour market outlook. There’s over 100 skilled trades certifications in B.C. – people need access to these opportunities!”
Signing up for Camosun’s Red Seal Culinary Arts program was not only a natural fit for Nicolle – it was an informed fit. She made sure the skills she’s investing in today match the labour market demand of B.C.’s growing economy.
“This is a really exciting time for me. My course starts next April and until then I’ll be cooking away at my two part-time jobs I have now. The skills training opportunity is great in B.C. and I’m proud to say that I’ll be seizing it.”
B.C. expects one-million job openings by 2020 and over 40% will require skills and technical training. Get the skills you need today to match the labour market demand of tomorrow.