Women from Coomacka and nearby communities are enhancing their culinary skills through a training program offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The initiative aims to equip participants with the expertise needed to establish small food businesses upon completion.
Led by Venice Thom, a seasoned culinary professional with over 20 years of experience and formal training, the commercial food preparation classes are conducted at Coomacka Primary School’s kitchen.
Thom is dedicated to imparting her knowledge in cooking techniques, recipes, measurements, kitchen safety, and supplementary classes in mathematics and English.
The program, running from Monday to Thursday, targets 14 women between the ages of 26 and 54.
Thom is confident that by the end of the four-month course, participants will be prepared either to launch their own culinary ventures or to seek employment in established food establishments.
Trainees like Yomona Fraser and Shelisa Codogan express enthusiasm for the program, citing a desire to expand their culinary knowledge and fulfill long-held aspirations in the food industry.
During a recent visit by NCN, trainees were actively engaged in a practical session, mastering the preparation of mince swirls from scratch.
The curriculum will soon progress to main course meal preparations.
This initiative underscores BIT’s commitment to enhancing vocational skills and fostering economic empowerment among women in Coomacka and surrounding regions.