The Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation recently held a Hospitality Student Career Conference for 150 high school students who are currently enrolled in a culinary or hospitality program at a career/technical school. The conference, hosted at the R.I. Convention Center, was designed to give students with little to no previous employment experience the tools they need to compete at the hiring table during a time when many employers are experiencing a shortage of hospitality help.
The day began with a talk show-style forum featuring a diverse panel of business owners who provided insight into their career pathways, challenges, opportunities and success stories. The panel featured business owners and co-owners, including Angie Armenise of Blackie’s restaurant in Smithfield, and Sam Glynn, owner of Chomp Kitchen and Drinks in Warren.
Participating schools included: Chariho Area Career & Technical Center, Cranston Area Career & Technical Center, Regional Career & Technical Center at Coventry, East Providence Career & Technical Center, Exeter Job Corps Academy, Providence Career & Technical Academy, Warwick Area Career & Technical Center, Westerly High School, William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School and Woonsocket Area Career & Technical Center.
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CULINARY CONVERSATION: Rhode Island high school career and technical program students learn from industry professionals at the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation’s Hospitality Student Career Conference held recently at the R.I. Convention Center in Providence. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION[/caption]
The industry pros were a who’s who of culinary success in the state. Armenise is an internationally known chef who was a trendsetter among women chefs and restaurateurs before her current success at the popular Blackie’s, which recently moved into larger quarters in Smithfield. Glynn has received national recognition from the Food Network. His popular Chomp is expanding to a second location in Providence.
In addition, the industry was represented by conference co-chairs Joanna Arrighie, director of sales and marketing for the Providence Marriott Downtown, and Thomas Riel, vice president of sales and service for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. Also on stage were Karen Tungett, owner of Blackstone Caterers in Middletown; Burnell Goldman, general manager of the Omni Providence Hotel, and Socrates Ramirez, general manager of Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel.
The forum was followed by breakout sessions with titles such as “Highway to Employment,” which provided the opportunity for students to begin networking with employers and build confidence when interacting with hiring managers through mock interviews. BankNewport sponsored a session that helped students navigate the steps to finance their college education by providing financial aid information and how to apply.
“Providing our students with the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry professionals is a truly invaluable experience,” said Heather Singleton, chief operating officer, Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation. “Our students truly appreciated and enjoyed this experience.”
A generation or two ago, families were raised, and kids put through college, solely from the income earned by a professional waiter. While the world has changed, as has the profession, the future is brighter when today’s culinary students can get valuable guidance from some of the best in the business. n
Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK, on radio throughout New England, through various mobile applications and his podcast. Email Bruce at Bruce@brucenewbury.com.
