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Northwest Michigan Resident, Boyne Resorts, and North Central Michigan College Receive Statewide Recognition for Being Part of Innovative Apprenticeship Program

April 1, 2021

Boyne Culinary Apprentices and Apprenticeship
Program Partners

An Alanson man, Boyne Resorts, and North Central Michigan College received Michigan Works! Impact Awards for being part of a comprehensive culinary apprenticeship program to help prepare individuals for successful careers. Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on March 31 to recognize apprentice John Mistura, Boyne, North Central Michigan College, and other Impact Award recipients from around the state.  

Boyne Resorts, North Central Michigan College, the American Culinary Federation (ACF), and Northwest Michigan Works! partnered to develop a culinary apprenticeship program offering a unique interactive learning experience with executive chef mentors. The apprentices will achieve their Sous Chef certification along with a Department of Labor National Credential and a Hospitality Certificate.

“Boyne Resorts is proud to partner with Northwest Michigan Works! as we provide unique services for our team members including registered apprenticeship and Business Resource Network programs,” said Amanda Bomers, human resources director at Boyne Highlands. “Our organizations share similar goals with a focus on demand-driven services for our workforce and the entire community.”

The culinary apprenticeship includes 4,000 hours of comprehensive On-the-Job Training along with 525 hours of related technical instruction. There are currently seven apprentices in the program and Boyne Resorts is currently recruiting a second cohort.

One of the current apprentices is John Mistura. His career at Boyne started in 2015 as a line cook.  When Boyne initiated the Sous Chef Apprenticeship recruitment process, Mistura saw it as an opportunity to upskill and launch his career pathway in the culinary field. He had never really considered this type of career yet was drawn to the education and mentoring the apprenticeship offered.

“Learning about the nutritional value of food was life changing,” said Mistura. “How to cook it appropriately while maintaining the flavor and nutritional value is interesting.”

As Mistura continues his success, he is enthusiastic to mentor a new cohort of apprentices and is Boyne’s most influential spokesperson for the benefits of the training. “Seeing my progress from where I started to where I am now is my favorite part of the program,” said Mistura.

The Impact Awards, hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.

“Northwest Michigan Works! continues to show time and again that they are committed to understanding the unique needs of our region and then using that knowledge in ways that help employers and job seekers alike succeed,” said state Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City). “Their dedication to working closely with community partners is key to ensuring the economic success of our region.”

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state.

“I commend Boyne Resorts, North Central Michigan College, the American Culinary Federation, and Northwest Michigan Works! for their partnership on this great program that helps fill the need for high-demand jobs in our region,” said state Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Congratulations to John on accomplishing his goals and to the team at Northwest Michigan Works! for all they do to assist the residents in our community with their needs and career goals.”

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent ecosystem. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state, and local workforce initiatives. The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.

Watch the video below to hear from the Impact Award recipients, apprenticeship program partners, and local legislators.

Northwest Michigan Works! is an essential resource for employers and job seekers in the Northern Michigan area.
- Kathy Stuart, Michigan Rubber Products Human Resource Manager