Atlantis and Address Marina hire ICCA graduates

International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) graduates from batch 55 have been snapped up by Atlantis, The Palm Dubai and The Address Marina, as part of the centre’s Work Experience Placement (WEP) programme.

The graduation ceremony honoured 14 graduates from the Professional Programme, seven of whom secured immediate job placement in F&B outlets at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai and The Address Marina.

The remaining seven chose to advance their skill set by signing up additional courses for Patisserie and Sugarcraft, as well as the Advance Diploma Program for Restaurant Management.

ICCA director Sunjeh Raja said: "We are thrilled that our students are consistently placed in their chosen work environment. We are operating here with a clear objective - to empower the workforce with skills, knowledge and the professionalism required to excel in the food service industry.

"This is turn drives up standards of excellence, innovation and creativity in the culinary arts. We have adopted a more collaborative practice model which focuses on strengthening relationships with the employers of tomorrow. We have aligned our culinary programmes to meet their needs, ensuring graduates have a better chance in securing employment and achieving a return on their investment."

Delvin Swart, a graduate from batch 55, has signed his employment contract with Atlantis, The Palm Dubai to work in La Brasserie, a French restaurant and wine bar.

He said, “Choosing ICCA to start my culinary career was hands down the best decision I have made. ICCA was highly recommended to me by the General Manager of Al Qasr and I haven’t looked back since.

"The centre has taught us everything we need to know to start our careers in the culinary industry here, through real-life, hands on experiences, and I can’t wait to prove myself in the La Brasserie kitchens.”

The graduates were bid farewell with a feast prepared by the students and chefs at its premises in Dubai Knowledge Village. Since the launch of the WEP programme in 2005, ICCA has maintained a 100% placement record for their students in the UAE hospitality and international cruise line industry.

Raja said ICCA’s vision is in tune with the UAE’s 2020 Vision to be one of the best culinary countries and to have the best vocational training institutions in the world.