A Chef Brandon Apprentice’s Experience: ‘I’ve learned more and done more than I ever could have imagined’
When Sarai Almaraz heard about Project Angel Heart’s Chef Brandon Apprenticeship Program as a senior in her ProStart culinary arts class at Westminster High School, she knew she wanted to apply. She had first learned about Project Angel Heart when her class decorated client meal bags. She thought an apprenticeship supporting the mission could be interesting. Now, as she looks back over almost two years in her Chef Brandon apprentice role, she realizes it has been so much more. “Time has flown by, and I’ve absolutely loved it. I’ve learned more and done more than I ever could have imagined,” she says.
Sarai began her apprenticeship working two days per week while continuing to go to school for three days. While she was coming from a culinary-focused high school program, she still felt nervous about “whether [she’d] be professional enough and be able to keep up.” But she says Project Angel Heart’s kitchen team was welcoming from the time she walked in the door, and somewhat to her surprise, started her with hands-on work immediately.
For Sarai, the opportunity to hone her skills with professional chefs has been one of the best parts of the experience. “It’s hard to name everything I’ve learned. Flavor profiles. Working with machinery like rational ovens, ovens in general, tilt skillets. And knife skills. Not a day goes by that I’m not chopping, since we process hundreds of pounds of produce each week.”
Reflecting back, Sarai smiles and shares that her Chef Brandon apprenticeship has given her the same level of experience as some of her friends in college.
Sarai says that the mentoring she’s received has been a huge bonus. Project Angel Heart’s chefs have helped her with interviewing and connected her to important people in the culinary industry—meeting Chef Dana Rodriguez was a major highlight. They’ve also facilitated culinary stages, short-term opportunities with a focus on particular skills, and experience in other kitchens.
Sarai’s apprenticeship is thanks to the Foster family and generous donors whose support helped fund the Chef Brandon Apprenticeship Program. The Apprenticeship is a two-year training and mentorship program, in memory of Project Angel Heart’s Executive Chef Brandon Foster. Sarai was part of a cohort of three apprentices gaining experience and mentorship in several roles within Project Angel Heart.
As Sarai looks to the future, she talks about her dreams—her love of pastry, owning a bakery, possibly a food truck. Yet, she grounds those thoughts in the present. “This is my first job and giving people in need what they totally deserve has felt good. I’ve felt purpose,” she says, then adds, “This opportunity has given me more than I can absorb.”