you know, ive been thinking and,,,,...

[Nick.Shu]

So many people out there look to this site for tutelage and inspiration.

Ever so slowly we crawl towards our collective goals, be it the perfect service, perfect recipe et al.

Looking back at our careers, there is always the defining influence of a certain chef that we always look back on with fond memories, with regards to career development or advice, or even that perfect recipe/method/workflow/approach.

I actually have a proposal with regards to this.

How does the concept of a big brother/sister scheme to provide encouragement to those about to embark on a career in this industry that has provide much enjoyment to those within (the ****** little things that discourage aside) - given the fact that you can exercise your displayed/latent creativity.

Who knows, it may even stem the haemorrhage of labour.

Give it some though - could even lead to a teaching career.

Anyway (pardon the pun) it is food for thought.

[panini]

good idea.
I've told my current(about to leave) apprentice that she is "like the daughter I never wanted"

[Blade55440]

As for the mentoring idea. I think it's great. I honestly got the feeling from my kitchen instructor during school. She may not be the greatest people person, and like everybody else has some flaws... but she will teach you everything you are willing to learn.

I think if more people actually stopped to help the new guy at work, or a younger student in school, or ****... even teach a friend something while cooking dinner, that the culinary world would be a better place... and so would the folks working in it.

So next time you see that new guy, don't sigh and shake your head thinking: "Damnit, another new guy that I have to retrain". Instead think: "I wonder if that guy needs any help." and offer to teach him a thing or two that will help him in his current position.

Remember folks, a co-worker today...maybe just end up being your boss down the line.