Harrah’s to host culinary hiring event, offer training program

Are you an aspiring cook or chef looking to gain valuable on-the-job training? Anyone so inclined may attend a culinary hiring fair at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on April 29.

The fair, which runs noon to 5 p.m. in the casino ballroom, is for all culinary experience levels. The casino’s chefs will host same-day and on-the-spot interviews during that time window.

“We’re hoping to hire as many as we can,” said Executive Chef Colin Ribble.

Among the major advantages of working in one of the property’s five restaurants is in-house training through its culinary-development program. This allows aspiring kitchen staff to gain skills that can be used to begin or rejuvenate careers or even take the first step toward donning chef attire without having to go to culinary school.

According to Ribble, the program is unique in that it establishes a career blueprint for each kitchen staff member shortly after they are hired. Elements that include skills and career goals are taken into account when creating an individual plan that can shape an entry-level cook to a sous chef.

Depending on the individual’s aspirations, their participation in the program can take one to three years. For Ribble, building that experience is “worth its weight in gold.”

“It takes experience and actually being in the kitchen, more so than (a formal education),” said Ribble. “I can teach you in a classroom all day long but you need to get the feel of service, get the feel of actually firing entrees and getting that speeding timing down.”

Details: The culinary hiring fair – Noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Ballroom. For more information: 480-802-5000 or visit their website.