When most people think of culinary arts, they think of jobs in traditional restaurants or bars. However – there are lots of unique career opportunities within the field. If you are on the lookout for something different, consider a culinary career at a senior living community! There are many great benefits and opportunities in this work environment that most people don’t know about.
Here are four reasons why you should consider a culinary career at a senior independent living community:
- It’s an opportunity to learn and develop your skill set.
- Senior living communities are the perfect location for someone interested in the culinary field to grow and improve their skill sets. Jim Mahler, Director of Food and Beverage at The Nottingham, knows firsthand what a great learning experience it can be for employees. Chefs at The Nottingham work with high-quality ingredients, standardized recipes, and proper equipment to make dishes from scratch. “A growing chef can learn to hand-cut steaks, make homemade pizza dough for our brick oven, utilize their creativity for Bistro specials, and expand their palette with our ethnic-themed dining days,” Jim explains.
- It’s a chance to grow your career.
- At an independent living community, such as The Nottingham, there are many different roles within the food and beverage department like support service worker, host, assistant cook, head cook, bistro coordinator, sous chef, executive chef, food and beverage supervisor, manager, and director. “An individual can enter as a Support Service Worker and with the ability to learn, and when provided training, they can grow within the department.
- You will have a better work-life balance.
- Restaurants and bars often stay open very late, which can make it challenging for people to find a work-life balance. With communities like The Nottingham, the hours are typically much more manageable, with no late nights and a set schedule. This way, your nights are free, which is a great perk!
- It is rewarding.
- In a typical food industry job, you see different people every day. When you are part of a community like The Nottingham, you see the same residents daily, building relationships, and bringing joy to those familiar faces. Jim adds, “I think the team truly enjoys becoming part of the family environment when engaging with the residents.”
If you want to enter the culinary field, Jim Mahler’s advice is, “Make sure the job is with a company that can help you to grow and learn. When you interview, ask them questions about their training programs and career ladders, employment should benefit both parties.”
Interested in pursuing a culinary career at The Nottingham? Learn more at: lorettocny.org/careers