Hand-made pizza dough, made from scratch sauce and all the toppings you could imagine were prepared and served to over 150 people at OSU-Oklahoma City by Metro Technology Centers’ Culinary Arts students on Friday, Oct 23.
Metro Tech’s Culinary Arts instructors Chef John Hall and Marjorie Hammond have developed a cooperative agreement with OSU-OKC to provide their students the best opportunity for successful learning. Students work four days a week managing the kitchen and preparing meals for OSU-OKC students and staff. This gives the students the opportunity to serve more people than they would have on the Metro Tech campus, while earning internship hours.
Metro Tech students prepare meals Tuesday through Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. Every Friday they serve a specialty menu item, buffet style, beginning at 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. The OSU-OKC dining hall is located at 900 Portland Ave. in the Student Services Center on the second floor.
“They are learning proper cooking techniques. As they move forward, they are applying these skills at different levels.” Chef Hall said as he checked pizzas in a hot oven. “If they so choose, they can then come to OSU-OKC to finish their associates degree in Restaurant Management.”
"Our students choose to specialize in different areas in the kitchen," Hammond said. "From baking assistants, culinary coordinators to banquet coordinators, everyone has the chance to work in the kitchen."
This is the first group of students who are gaining the benefits of interning in the OSU-OKC’s full-service kitchen. Mario Robinson, a first year Culinary Arts student at Metro Tech, sprinkled cheese onto his pizza. “It’s more than educational, it’s hands-on experience.” Robinson said. “We not only get to create and cook the food, we also get to present it to people; kind of like a live audience. You get to see their reaction.”
Food Service Manager at OSU-OKC, Jonathan Kleman partnered with Metro Tech to create the cooperative agreement. Kleman works directly with Culinary Coordinator students, teaching them skills needed in kitchen management. “We teach them how to professionally interact with employees and guests.” Kleman said. “They learn about customer service and inventory; everything they need to know in the workplace.”
Robinson topped off his pizza with meats and vegetables before giving it to Chef Hall for baking. Having worked in kitchens for most of his adult life, Robinson decided it was time for a change. “I knew I needed to work toward a career instead of just looking for a job.” Robinson said. “I had heard about the quality of instructors at Metro Tech. Enrollment and financial aid was easy. So it wasn’t a hard decision for me to come here.”
Information provided by Metro Technology Centers.
Tim Henley wrote a story about the innovative partnership between OSU-OKC and Metro Tech. (click here.)
