Celebrating Student Success in Trades Training

Abbotsford Senior Secondary becoming an ITA designated training centre

River Charlie, a recent graduate of Abbotsford Senior Secondary is back at school this year, but now as an employee, working alongside Chef Scott Roberts in the Professional Cook training program!

River first became interested in foods training at Abby Senior in his Grade 10 year, taking it as an elective option. The following year he was included in the Professional Cook Level 1 cohort, a careers program offered by the Abbotsford School District that provides students the opportunity to complete their ITA Professional Cook Certification while in high school. 

"River discovered a joy for cooking through the Pro Cook program,” said Georgia Fadden, Teacher for Indigenous Success. “He consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and passion in the kitchen. We are so proud of his successes!" River is from the Sq'ewlets First Nation near Harrison River.

The Professional Cook Training program is designed to ensure that students complete a specific number of hours of lab work, the required technical training (theory) and gain work experience in order to take the ITA Professional Cook practical and theory exams. Upon completing the Level 1 program they can enter into an apprenticeship that can lead to red seal qualification and paid employment. It is one of many experiential career learning options for students interested in the skilled trades industry.

For River, his success in the program transitioned into paid employment with the school district, now officially a Teamster working under the supervision of Instructor Scott Roberts as the culinary program assistant. 

“River has developed his skill set over the last three years and now he is a tremendous support to us, always on time and helping out wherever needed,” said Roberts. “He has a great memory too, reminding me of lesson plans from previous years and will ask insightful questions when he notices something new or a lesson being taught differently in class.”

The Abbotsford School District has recently gone through a review from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to gain its status as a designated training centre. This designation will allow the district to offer its own training in Professional Cook Levels 1 and 2 and the equivalent program curriculum for students to earn the first level of technical training credit, previously offered in a silent partnership with UFV.

Michael Pearson, a former shop teacher at W.J.Mouat, now District Principal of Career Programs for the entire school district understands the value of hands-on learning opportunities for students. “What began as a 1 block elective for River, working in an atmosphere that helped develop his self-awareness and confidence, has now turned into a professional career for him” exclaimed Pearson, “He is a definite asset to the program.”

In a year where making decisions about the future seems daunting for many recent high school graduates, the pandemic isn’t getting in River Charlie’s way of pursuing his career in the food industry. Chef Roberts and Abby Senior is excited to have him back in the kitchen as a role model for other students. Even River’s younger brother Joseph has decided to enroll in the program this year following in his brother's footsteps. 

For more information:

Michael Pearson, District Principal Career Programs
Abbotsford School District