Stepping into the Micisotan Restaurant in Whitewood last week was like stepping into a five star restaurant with cloth-covered tables, folded cloth napkins, wine glasses and decorative centrepieces adorning the tables. The curling rink lobby has temporarily been transformed into the Micisotan (Let’s eat) as students of a Banquet Server, Prep Cook and Housekeeping program use the facility for the practical training portion of their course. 

On hand for the luncheon some described as nothing less than fabulous were about 50 guests who were treated to a meal complete with breads, soup, the main course and a delightful dessert all served by the group of students who are in the 23-week Southeast Regional College class that is helping them acquire new skills that will give them an opportunity to enter the workplace.

Sixteen students out of a class of 18 hosted the VIP luncheon to which MP Ed Komarn-icki, MLA Don Toth, and Whitewood Mayor Malcolm Green were in attendance. The students also served the meal they had prepared to family members and other invited guests as well.

The course is coordinated by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and delivered by the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council with support from federal, provincial, and community partners. In Whitewood the partners responsible for the course that helps local youth who face barriers to employment are Service Canada, Minister of Advanced Education Employment and Labour, Southeast Regional College and the Ochapowace First Nations.

Ed Komarnicki told the group that in today’s environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market. “By supporting this project, we are helping Whitewood and area youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

Also speaking to the group and commending the students for the skills they had mastered and the confidence they had gained over the past several weeks were MLA Don Toth, Mayor Malcolm Green, and Ochapowace’s Economic Development Coordinator Petra Bellanger who said this learning opportunity has not just given the students the ‘fish,’ but the knowledge of how to ‘fish’ on their own.

The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council, a division of Tourism Saskatchewan, will help the students as they develop life and job skills to get jobs within the tourism sector.

The students will spend approximately one more week out of a total of three at the Micisotan, preparing and serving various groups with their delicious and delightful meals.