THE OBJECTIVE OF HAVE is to develop a program that will train “employment barriered” people from the Downtown Eastside and surrounding neighborhoods’, and to place them in entry level jobs in kitchens of restaurants that belong to the BC Restaurant and Food Association. HAVE’s goal is to train 50 people per year, with the goal to successfully graduate 80% (40 graduates). The benchmark for measuring the success of the training will be completion of a minimum of 3 months of employment. Upon successful placement, the Society will receive a placement fee from the Restaurants. Ultimately we want to be a self funded program.
Program
• To run consecutive training courses, 8 weeks duration, with 8 to 10 students each
• 8 week program (all tuition and materials free) incorporating both life skills and occupational training to prep cook level
• Food safe certification (no charge to students)
• Tuition in a “live” kitchen environment provided by CCC qualified trainers in class sizes sufficiently small for one-on-one supervision when necessary
• For those successfully completing the program, introductions to potential employers and the probability of paid employment, subject to a probationary period
• General counseling support for the first 3 months of employment
• No wages but bus tickets to and from the training venue, breakfast and lunch, uniforms, tools and $100 honorarium per student on successful completion of training
• Will be selling via the Café sandwiches, soups, coffee etc. which will allow the trainees to develop serving skills and provide some revenue to the Society
This project is based upon the experience and expertise gained through the Cook’s Studio, which was run by James Kennedy (who will continue on as a volunteer consultant) and Amber Anderson (who worked with James at the Casino) and who has been hired as our Executive Director.
Board of Directors
• Brad Mills, CEO, Mills Basics
• Hendrik Hoekema, Executive Director, Vancouver East Side Educational Enrichment Society
• Ian Tostenson, President, BC Restaurant and Food Services Association
• Mohamed (“Iqbal”) Alam, Manager Social Purchasing, Building Opportunities with Business
• Janice Walsh, Chartered Accountant, Self Employed
Executive Director
• Amber Anderson - went to BCIT and VCC and obtained her Certified Chef de Cuisine in 2006. She worked for James Kennedy Training at the Edgewater Casino, and owned a restaurant and Catering company for twelve years.