Jump Start: Something Smells Great

The Porterville College Career Education Division hosted three Summer Jump Start Academies this past month, giving Porterville area high school students a first-hand look at some of the career pathways available at PC. 

These Academies, intended for High School Juniors, ran from July 8 through August 1.

These Summer Jump Start Academies were designed as stand-alone four week project-based internship programs focused on in-demand careers in Tulare County. They provide a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Hospitality, Technology, Health and Safety. The classes run from 8 am until 1 p.m., 4 days a week, and the students get paid to participate in most cases.

This year’s Academy has been expanded to include an FAA Part 107 drone pilot course as well as a Culinary Arts Program which provides OSHA-10 Certification.

The students attending the Jump Start Culinary Arts Academy were taught by instructor Silvia Hermosillo who used an ice-breaker exercise to help them remember each other’s names, which is critical in the kitchen when working closely together. “I have to get as much information to the students about the kitchen in this class as possible,” Hermosillo said. “Kitchen safety is critical, food safety, and basic kitchen techniques. These are skills vital to the profession, as well as life skills.”

At the end of the 4-week culinary course students will receive their food handlers certification. This makes it easier to apply for part-time or full-time jobs right after completion.

Students in the program learn how to handle food safely and how to keep people from getting sick. They also learn how to write recipes and follow them correctly. The academy is built to give them a large amount of hands-on work in the kitchen. Jacob Mendoza who attends Harmony Magnet Academy that experience has been exciting. Intern hours are required by High Schools. “I like to keep busy during the summer. The Jump Start Academy was an experience to take advantage of,” Mendoza said.