The annual Algonquin College Cooperative Education Awards of Excellence celebrates students and employer partners who participate in work-integrated experiences and contribute to the College’s culture of excellence and innovation. Student recipients were acknowledged for their remarkable achievements and contributions during their work terms, while employers were recognized for providing students with high-quality work opportunities.
Student Success
School of Business and Hospitality faculty gather for photo with Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. From left to right: Lisa Siragusa, Dean Julie Beauchamp, Valerie Hill, Chair Heidi Upson Ferris, Bill Garbarino, Melanie Haskins, and Claude Brulé.
Skills for the Workplace is a level 4 course in the Business – Marketing program designed to guide learners and mentor them prior to graduation, preparing them to move into the industry with the skills and tools necessary for success. Students are learning the benefits of a strong LinkedIn profile and endorsements, how to improve their resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques to land the perfect job and the benefits of networking to make strong industry connections.
50 Culinary Arts students gather to take a photo with Chris John, lead judge at the Canadian Culinary Championships 2024, and Scott Foeller, Culinary Arts Instructor, at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, ON.
The Canadian Culinary Championship (CCC) is an annual national event in Ottawa. The winning chefs from ten different regional qualifiers, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, are gathered to compete in three challenging and entertaining competitions: Mystery Wine, Black Box, and the Finale. To be crowned the top chef in Canada at the Canadian Culinary Championship is a career changer. The competition has yielded three previous winners from Ottawa.
The competition features 50 Culinary Arts students from Algonquin College, three learners assisting each chef, in addition to their sous chefs. For many, involvement at this level of competition is a once-in-their-career opportunity. Scott Foeller, Culinary Arts Instructor, explained the process of selecting volunteers: “My experience and excitement from last year’s event, combined with the positive buzz from last year’s students, yielded 94 interested volunteers within the first week of the event being posted.” Having double the interest as there are spaces available proves the value of the event and participation from the learners’ viewpoint. Foeller shared that many of those selected were in his classes over the past four semesters, or had been recommended by fellow hospitality faculty, highlighting attributes such as attitude, teamwork, reliability, punctuality, and level of skill.
Cory Haskins, Chair, Culinary Arts, and Ottawa member of the CCC judges’ panel, further articulated the importance of this partnership. “I am so pleased to continue our association with the Canadian Culinary Championship,” he said. “The experience that our students gain from working alongside the best chefs in Canada is incomparable. The pace is frenetic and crazy, but great fun and an exceptional learning experience.”
Photos of the experience can be found on AC’s Facebook Page.
An additional real-world learning opportunity from the event was presented to AC’s broadcasting students, coordinated by Professor Michael Bennett. Three learners in the program arrived at the Shaw Centre ready to film and photograph the culinary students, putting together a short video played at the competition, along with broadcasting the festivities live on Feb. 2 and 3.
“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and build their portfolios and resumes, while also exposing them to external clients’ expectations. We had a strong production team this year led by Maddison Devarennes and Saudicka Diarm. They organized and led their teams to great success, and I have heard nothing but glowing reviews from the clients about our students and the video content we have produced for them this year, ” said Bennett.
The key takeaway from learners’ participation in the event is the importance of community and organizational partnerships with academic programs where it aligns. These opportunities leverage skill-building, real-world experience, and networking. In return, the client, the Canadian Culinary Championships, is provided with service to fill a gap in their event. Learners are given an opportunity to take risks and show off their skills, which helps build their confidence as they navigate their careers.
To learn more about the competition and see this year’s winners, visit the Canadian Culinary Championships website.