Prairie Valley students are getting a taste of what it’s like to work in the hospitality industry thanks to a new partnership with Munch Catering, a Regina non-profit that provides employment experience and job skills training to people with cognitive disabilities.
Munch Catering’s eight-week transition support program took place at several Prairie Valley schools including North Valley High School in Lemberg. It was attended by students from North Valley, Indian Head High School and Wolseley High School.
For eight weeks, a transition support worker travelled to North Valley to deliver weekly instruction on food service skills and employability. Students would work closely with one another to prepare meals and follow cooking instructions.
Students gained valuable skills in food preparation and kitchen safety, said North Valley Student Support Teacher Jill Lubachowski. However, they were also able to build confidence through understanding there are viable and achievable career paths for them after graduation. “The transition piece was extremely valuable in helping them feel good about entering the workforce or pursuing job training after graduation,” she said.
Students also practiced resume writing skills and had good discussions around employment opportunities in the food service industry around Regina. “We try and help plan a smooth transition for our students with cognitive disabilities, but it can be daunting for them. Having a program like this is really beneficial for those students and their families,” said Lubachowski.
The program culminated in a visit to Munch Catering in Regina, where a pizza lunch was prepared and enjoyed. “This visit to Munch Catering was really empowering for the students because they were able to see that they could meaningfully contribute in that type of workplace.”
The Munch Catering transition support program has also been offered at Kelliher School, Lumsden High School and Broadview School. Students from Vibank Regional School, Robert Southey School and Milestone School also sent students to attend the program at Munch Catering’s Regina facility.
Prairie Valley would like to thank Rick Morell and his team from Munch Catering for providing this unique opportunity to students within our division.
Funding for the transition support program is provided through the Canadian Association for Supported Employment.