Cooking up a bright future
Meet Codi—a recent graduate of the Foundations of Cooking program at NorQuest College! After working for several years in restaurants and bars as both a waitress and bartender, Codi made the decision to pursue her lifelong passion for cooking, and chose NorQuest as a place to develop those skills.
"The idea of being a cook really started to intrigue me,” said Codi. “Being able to see chefs create a whole new menu and experiment with different foods and to cook from scratch were things I've wanted to do, but never really thought of it as a career for me until I came across the Foundations of Cooking program."
"I really enjoyed the program!” exclaimed Codi when thinking back on her experience. “Chef Sandra was absolutely amazing not only with teaching me, but with incredible support and encouragement. I felt like I really got an opportunity to learn in an environment that wasn't overwhelming."
As part of the program, Codi was placed in a practicum at Meals On Wheels—one of NorQuest's valued practicum learning partners—where she excelled in the kitchen, preparing home-delivered meals for people in need of assistance.
"I do have to share a big kudos to student Codi who was a shining star – fantastic attitude, reliable and committed, and a really hard worker,” said Meals On Wheels Client Services & Volunteer Manager Lindsay Rothman. “She was a pleasure to have here. We are appreciative of the time that she dedicated to our agency, she helped to make a difference in our community."
Now that Codi has finished her training with NorQuest, she plans to continue her journey in the culinary world and gain more knowledge of traditional foods to achieve her goal of opening her own restaurant. She was recently hired as a cook at MEAT on Whyte Ave, so she’s definitely off to a great start!
When asked what she would say to anyone considering NorQuest's Foundations of Cooking program, Codi replied "I would say that it's an amazing opportunity, and to go for if you're passionate about cooking. Because personally this course changed my life and I'm grateful for being accepted into the program."
I would say that it's an amazing opportunity, and to go for it if you're passionate about cooking. Personally, this course changed my life and I'm grateful for being accepted into the program.