CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Chef Paul Smith, recent winner of the James Beard Award, will soon help prepare 40 West Virginians for their futures in the fine dining industry with the “Prepped to Serve Appalachia” program.
The program, put on by West Virginia Health Right, is supported by WorkForce West Virginia and backed by Governor Jim Justice.
Prepped to Serve Appalachia participants will go through a three-month program with classes taught by Smith and will then put their skills to the test with two months of on-the-job training at fine dining restaurants in the area.
State Secretary of Commerce James Bailey, says this is a great opportunity for someone to build a new career.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to help build a new career, one that will provide fulfillment and professional growth,” Bailey said.
Bailey also says participants do not have to pay anything to get involved.
“There is absolutely no cost to participate,” Bailey said. “We are funding this through a grant from WorkForce West Virginia.”
In addition to the grant money from WorkForce West Virginia, West Virginia Health Right is doing its part to ensure these participants get the most out of their opportunity. Bailey says those in the program will get benefits and services while they are in the program.
“Where this is being done with West Virginia Health Right, we’re also allowing participants, while they’re participating in the program, to receive free medical, dental, behavioral health, recovery and pharmacy services to ensure success in the program.”
Both West Virginia Health Right and Smith will commit to the future chefs-in-training, as Bailey says there will be meetings after completion of the program to make sure each person is on the right track.
“As they go through this process and even after they finish, participants will have follow-up meetings with Chef Paul (Smith) and West Virginia Health Right to ensure that their professional growth and success is on track,” Bailey said.
In a statement, Governor Jim Justice says this program is a new way for the workforce of West Virginia to develop.
“This is another shining example of how West Virginia is approaching workforce development differently,” Justice said. “Partnering with the local community and leveraging national recognition with Chef Paul (Smith) to support folks in helping them get new skills and new careers.”
For more information visit wvhealthright.org/prepped-to-serve-appalachia