Getting ready for culinary competitions is one way for students to demonstrate their technical culinary skills and academic knowledge. These challenging events offer students opportunities to show professionalism and gain real-work experience as they strive to meet their career goals in the foodservice industry. Along with honing their workplace skills as they prepare for competitions, students have another goal-to win! Helping students prepare for SkillsUSA competitions takes much time and commitment from both students and instructor. For the students there are opportunities for scholarships and recognition. For the instructor I see the opportunity to see the students grow in their culinary skills and their roles as leaders and team members. The ultimate goal is to see the students become competent, successful members of the culinary workforce. Yunei Rayo (picture below) was awarded 1st place for Knife Skills at the Skills USA State Fair Competition. Yunei won first out of 65 students that competed from Virginia High Schools.
