“The Academy is not just another culinary school – what makes it different is that we learn more than culinary skills – we are taught the foundations and encouraged to apply and improve on them in the real world” said Mr. Joseph, 64, who graduated from the institution in December last year. Previously a convict, Mr. Joseph managed to fulfil his dream of joining the gastronomic industry as a noodle chef at Fook Kin Restaurant. HCSA Academy provided Mr. Joseph was hands-on culinary practice during his training course, which gave him the confidence to overcome the hurdles.
The Academy conducts a six-week course based on the Food Services skills framework by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), leading to a WSQ Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts, with jobs placements facilitated upon successful completion. By helping to equip vulnerable individuals with a skill to increase their employability, this in turn empowers the vulnerable and provides a long-term means for them to support themselves, rather than rely on welfare which is neither empowering nor sustainable in the long run.
This initiative was also a life-turning point for Mr Tarmidzi, who has been incarcerated several times since he was 23 years old. “The culinary training course helped me not just in facing the challenges in my current job, but also taught me patience and endurance.” said the 45-year-old. He was recently nominated the ‘Employee of the Month of April 2019’, and his employer, Mr Shamila Rolfe, General Manager of Ibis Styles Singapore on Macpherson is full of praise. “Mr Tarmidzi’s commitment and dedication is remarkable, and he brings such positive energy to the team. The skills he learnt at HCSA Academy has given him good grounding which comes in useful in his job, and he has great potential to grow and progress in his career.”
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