(LANSING, MICHIGAN) - A new Cook Registered Apprenticeship Program created through a unique partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Michigan Office of Apprenticeship, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) State Apprenticeship Expansion team, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) and Torch 180 of Livingston County is delivering life-changing opportunities for Michigan adults with disabilities.

At a recent signing event, aspiring Chef Blake Clay (Pictured Above/Photo Courtesy of the Michigan Business Network at www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/blog/leo-uia-announces-new-waivers-of-state-federal-overpayment-determinations-0) knew the significance of the moment.

The meeting room was filled with representatives from State and Federal Government, program sponsors, a few Co-Workers and a handful of well-wishers.

And with one stroke of his pen, Clay was about to become the first participant in a new Registered Apprenticeship Program designed to benefit persons with disabilities.

It would open a new door to pursue his true passion - cooking - and could lead to economic self-sufficiency and a level of independence he’d only imagined.

Choking back tears, he couldn’t help but think about the patient, caring man whose encouragement led Clay to this pivotal moment.

“I know my Grandpa would be proud of me,” Clay said as he signed his Apprenticeship Agreement. “He really was my inspiration.”

Clay - who was joined by Vikram Durci and Shaun Gillespie as the program’s first Apprentices - traces his love of cooking back to the age of 13 when he lived with his grandfather, who is now deceased, in Detroit.

“He’s the reason I got into cooking,” Blake said. “He trained me, because he was a Professional Caterer and a great Cook - he made the best food.  He started out with a catering business in Las Vegas.  He catered for people like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.  I love cooking, and I’m hoping I can own my own business one day.  I know this program will help me a lot.”

Upon program completion, Apprentices will earn industry-recognized credentials in a rewarding, long-term career pathway in the Food Service Industry.

To Directly Access This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: www.michigan.gov/leo/news/2022/07/27/mcti-apprenticeship