Across the state of Florida there are many career and technical education (CTE) programs working to train and prepare food industry employees. Technical colleges such as Lively Tech, Okaloosa Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College, McFatter Technical College, and Robert Morgan Technical College are successfully supporting students with intellectual disability in their programs, offering hands-on training and credentials to graduating students.
Students are provided instructional support by program staff and faculty through scheduled check-ins, motivational supports, tutoring, exam review preparation, and accommodations for testing. Tutoring and exam review sessions are often provided by program staff.
Here are just a few stories of young adults who are achieving their career goals in the culinary field through participation in a postsecondary CTE program.
Justin is a graduate of the Culinary Arts program at Fort Myers Technical College (FMTC) through the HIRE (How I Reach Employment) program. While in his courses, Justin excelled in the service line and grilling meats. He graduated from the program and earned the ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager Industry Certifications.
Justin currently works in the catering services division at the airport. He transports food from one area to another and also helps with some janitorial duties. He is happy to be working in his chosen career path.
Sebastian is also studying Culinary Arts at Fort Myers Technical College. He is working in a restaurant while attending school, where he chops vegetables and prepares side dishes. He decided to enroll in Culinary Arts because he wants to have the training and skills necessary to continue to advance in the culinary field.
The successes of these students would not be possible without the commitment and support from their instructors and program personnel. In addition, the administration has cultivated an inclusive culture on the campus of FMTC where every student is respected and knows that they are valued for who they are on a daily basis.
Michelle and Dewon are both students at the Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College enrolled in the Baking and Pastry Arts program and supported through Project TOPS. Michelle’s career goals are to finish Baking and Pastry Arts and start her own business. Michelle shares her experiences so far -
I am most proud of learning from all the new experiences here [at Robert Morgan Technical College]. I am proud of myself for not giving up when the first trimester was very hard. I like that I am prepared to work in a real bakery. No more working in fast-food restaurants for me. I like all the help I receive and the patience from the teachers. I like showing my family and friends my photos and videos and my family likes it when I bring my desserts home.
Dewon started with earning a credential in the Baking and Pastry Arts and is continuing his education by earning credentials in Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality. His career goal is to work in a 5-star restaurant in Miami. Dewon shares his vision for his future.
I want to combine everything I learned about desserts, breads and cooking. My long-term goal is to own a food truck. I am most proud about earning the certificate for Baking and Pastry Arts. I am now very close to finishing Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality. I like the hands-on training, the assistance I receive and the team effort in the program.
These stories share the positive outcomes that can be achieved with access to CTE programs to students with intellectual disability, additional support as needed, and hard work and perseverance by students.