Culinary career development program graduates first class
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A pilot culinary program designed to give students at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis hands-on training has graduated it first class of young chefs. The training circuit is among a renewed wave of similar workforce development initiatives to prepare Hoosier students for the workforce.
Through a partnership with Crystal Signature Events, the program gives students the ability to work with corporate chefs at The Crane Bay Event Center, The Indiana Roof Ballroom and The Heirloom at N. K. Hurst. Fourteen students worked at those establishments for about two hours in the afternoon on selected school days from October 2022 to May 2023.
“Our goal is to give them impactful training before they enter the workforce and pursue a career as a culinary professional,” said Jack Bayt, founder of Crystal Signature Events, in a news release. “We would ultimately love to see them return to Crystal after graduation.”
Organizers have not stated whether the program will continue or expand in the future.
(Pictured L to R) Crystal Signature Events Chef Falicia Minor, Crystal Owner Jack Bayt, Warren Central Program Leader Alyssa Criswell, students Chenille Turner, Seneca Steward, and Jeremiah Stidham, and Crystal Chef Emily Slavens.