The Center for Adult Transition Culinary Arts Vocational Training Program Celebrates Third Graduation

In a celebration last June that was both touching and triumphant, 10 students of PCCC’s Center for Adult Transition graduated from the Culinary Arts Vocational Training Program, a grant-funded, training program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who seek a culinary career.

“Let’s show some love to the Class of 2025,” announced Lamont Williams, a culinary expert and coordinator of the program for over two years, to the friends and families who gathered at PCCC’s Wanaque Academic, home to PCCC’s Culinary Arts program.

“Today is a celebration of growth, courage, and community,” said Mr. Williams, telling the graduates, “We celebrate your journey and bright future. I am beyond proud of you.”

He thanked team members and program partners “for your passion and support and acknowledged family members in attendance “for trusting us with your loved ones.”

Guests enjoyed sandwiches provided by a local Jersey Mike’s store. One of the program sponsors, Jersey Mike’s provides both food and employment opportunities to the students.

Chef Michelle Hoffman treated the audience to lively stories about her experiences as a professional cook. “I was so nervous,” she said, about the time she served her first salad nicoise in a prominent restaurant. “A customer had paid $22 for the salad, and I worried that it wouldn’t measure up.”

“Our students learn almost everything I know,” Chef Michelle told the guests. “Braising, grilling, making salads. They learned everything.”

She urged the families of the graduates to “put them to work and make them cook for you. There is no better feeling than watching people enjoy the food you cooked for them.”

In fact, students in the program learn a full range of skills related to professional cooking careers. They learn various cooking methods, meal planning, how to use kitchen equipment, food safety and sanitation procedures, and proper food serving.

Additionally, students learn their craft in PCCC’s fully-equipped professional kitchens. “This is an advantage for them, since the facilities here mirror the workplace for professional cooks,” said Mr. Williams.

He also noted that students are taught basic employment skills that are applicable to other fields, such as teamwork, effective communication, preparing a resume, interviewing for a job, and more. Though most graduates seek employment in the food industry, some shift to other fields, well prepared to do so.

Katrina Minnett, an alumna who now serves as an an ambassador for the program, took the microphone to tell the audience, “This program changed my life.”  Her favorite part, she said, was the life skills and doing mock interviews.”

Now working at a local day care facility, Katrina hopes to become a teacher and said that the program helped her to develop communication skills and increased her confidence.

In the ceremony that followed, the graduates, proud and enthusiastic, received their certificates, along with gifts of aprons and chef caps.

“Some of them already have jobs and will start this summer,” said Mr. Williams who has worked extensively in higher education programs, restaurants, and non-profit organizations, among others. “The staff here also love the program. It’s been very satisfying to see these students learn and grow and find jobs.”

The Center for Adult Transition is part of PCCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) department and collaborates closely with the College’s Culinary Arts degree program.

The Center benefits from strong community support and a wide variety of partners that includes Jersey Mike’s and other employers; government agencies, such as the local New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS);  and non-profits, including Holy Bones, which is based at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes and employs adults with special needs to create all-natural pet treats.  

Area high schools also partner with the Center. The STAR/TIES Program (Paterson), West Milford High School, and Clifton High School  are some of the schools that have sent students to the program and provided transportation through their district for students to attend program uninterrupted

According to Janet Albrecht, dean of the CEWD, the three-year-old Culinary Arts Vocational Program grew from an idea to address a need into a thriving program, thanks to the dedication and collaboration of staff, students, and their families.

“Families worry about the future of their adult family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities who face a lack of services and opportunities after they leave secondary school,” explained Ms. Albrecht. She noted that the program was developed to provide training and skills towards employment in an in-demand industry sector in Passaic County, so the program also has value for employers and our county.

“In addition, the program takes place on one of our college campuses, and the students become valued and productive members of our college community,” said Ms. Albrecht. 

For more information about PCCC’s Center for Adult Transition/Culinary Arts Vocational Training Program, click here or call Lamont Williams at 973-684-5801.