Thanks to Professor Toby Strianese, Chair of the Department of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism, Continuing Education is partnering with Albany County and The Altamont Program, Inc., to offer a special culinary program at the Schuyler Inn in Menands.

Entitled CAST, for Culinary Arts Skills Training, the program responds to a request from Albany County for specialized training in the hospitality arena for social services clients. Culinary Arts was selected because it is a growth area for entry level jobs within the capital region. The program's goals are:

1. To prepare workers for entry level jobs within the culinary arts industry by giving them the technical skills and employability certification necessary for success.

2. To provide a pathway for continued professional development for
workers capable and desirous of advancement within the culinary arts industry.

CAST is a 15 week culinary arts skills training program which will enable workers to develop marketable skills while earning fully transferable college credits in the courses listed below. Students will also be eligible to earn ServSafe Certification from the National Restaurant Association and the Capital Region Certificate of Employability.

There are 9 participants during the first cycle of the CAST program. However, subsequent cycles will reach up to 18 participants per training session. Participants will be unemployed/underemployed individuals whose human services needs are being served by Albany County. Participants must hold the high school diploma or the GED. Under the conditions of this program, participants will become full-time students at Schenectady County Community College, matriculated into the Assistant Chef Certificate program. Costs of instruction will be reduced by individual eligibility for federal and/or state financial aid.

Albany County screens applicants, selects participants for the program, and provides requisite support services necessary to meet individual participants needs (transportation, child care, and other human services needs).

Schenectady County Community College provides participants with assistance in completing admissions and financial aid applications and placement testing. SCCC also oversees instructors, maintains participant records, and ensures that College transcripts are available as needed.

The Altamont Program provides instructional space and food service laboratories necessary for operation of the program. Location of instruction at the Schuyler Inn in Menands reduces transportation costs for Albany County and time of travel for all participants. At the end of the instructional cycle, The Altamont Program will provide pre-employment assessment, assist participants to find jobs commensurate with their individual skills and abilities, and provide 90-day post employment follow-up.

Continuing Education is pleased to play a major role in the development and delivery of this special program. And, we thank Professor Strianese for initiating the first meeting of the partners who implement CAST.