Hospitality program a recipe for success

Hedland Senior High School is heading in a unique direction to kickstart students’ careers in hospitality.

The Canteen, which was formerly run by the school’s P&C, has been transformed into a Certificate II in Hospitality training facility.

Students work on a rotating roster, learning various food delivery skills such as basic cookery, customer service, and how to be a barista.

The Canteen trainer and manager Jacqui Snyder is a former chef and has been guiding students in meal prep, how to use fresh ingredients from the school garden for a better outcome, and guiding students’ passions in a successful and constructive direction.

Students such as 16-year-old Lachlan Ryan have thrived in the hands-on environment.

“I’ve always loved cooking and one day want to be a chef, so I signed up and it’s so far been a great experience,” he said.

“We have a good teacher and I really like it.

“I find it sometimes hard in the theory side of things but I’m very hands-on, so in the cooking and application side of things, I thrive.”

Year 11 and 12 students are participating in the hospitality program, and the feedback from the rest of the school has been incredibly positive, said VET co-ordinator Teneal Russell.

Students will finish their certificates by the end of the year as they work in The Canteen before school, during lunch and recess, and after school, as well as catering for all functions hosted by the school.