Current Opportunity Programs

Culinary Opportunity Program I (FDS-129E)

The program covers fundamental culinary skills, and is intended for students who have the physical and intellectual capacity, as well as the desire, to become a member of the workforce.  This 72-hour job preparation program incorporates culinary and baking, ServSafe certification, and resume and interview preparation.

Students of this program will acquire pre-apprentice skills to prepare for an entry-level position in food production or packaging in a grocery, supermarket, convenience store or food market. Students will gain experience in measuring, following recipes, knife cuts, preparing dishes, equipment cleaning and maintenance, sanitation and safety measures and basic nutrition. This course is not an avocational course and is not meant to teach independence skills in preparing food for oneself. It is a prevocational training program.

Prospective students will be welcomed into this non-credit program under the auspices of the Center for Workforce Development Program. Limited to 8 students per session. Please note that certification requires full participation in the course and lab experiences. Students may be eligible for funding from their service providers.  Talk with your transition coordinator, DDD or DVRS counselor for more information.

INSTRUCTOR: Jeffry Wierzbicki

Mon, Tues, Thurs, April 16-June 11, 4-7 p.m. (no class May 27)

Morris County Vocational School District: Building 1

24 sessions: 72 hrs, CEU 7.2

Cost: $2,999

Contact Adriana Mendez for registration information – amendez@ccm.edu or 973-328-5280.

Culinary Opportunity Program II (FDS-130E)

BAKING AND PASTRIES

PREREQUISITE: Serv-Safe Food Handler Certification. Completion of CCM’s Culinary Opportunity Program, or documentation of completion of a prior culinary fundamentals class.

In this continuation course, students will review professional standards and the tools and equipment for the bakeshop. They will learn how to prepare a variety of baked goods and to create a pleasing plated presentation. Students will make quick breads, cookies, yeast breads, pies, pastries, cakes and frostings.

INSTRUCTOR: Jeffry Wierzbicki

20 sessions: 50 hrs, CEU 5.0

Mon and Tues, Jan 22 – April 1, 4:30 – 7 p.m. (No Class 2/19)

End-of-Project Celebration, Mon, April 1

Morris County Vocational School District: Building 1

Course: 28602

Cost: $2,099

Contact Adriana Mendez for registration information – amendez@ccm.edu or 973-328-5280.

Horticultural Opportunity Program (HRT-128E)

The Horticultural Opportunity Program is designed for adult students with developmental disabilities, and offers a Certificate of Completion to students who complete the entire program. It is an introduction to the skills needed to be successful in a horticultural environment. The goal of this program is to teach basic horticultural skills that may transfer to employment with local growers’ establishments. In addition, students will be coached on resume and interview preparation.

Topics included:
  • Planting, watering and managing greenhouse plants for a typical retail sales environment
  • Demonstrating the safe use of both greenhouse and landscape tools (non-power)
  • Performing small-scale planting projects such as container gardens, houseplant, herb and vegetable plantings
  • Learning the care of outdoor plants in a landscape setting by performing the functions of pruning, dividing and seasonal maintenance
  • Identification and control of weeds and pests
  • Selection and cutting floral crops for seasonal retail sales
  • Safety first – an overview of safety in the workplace, including use of PPE, ergonomics, and environmental awareness

A significant body of evidence from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) confirms the following positive benefits of using horticulture as a medium for working with disabled adults:

  • Activities help to improve both gross and fine motor skills
  • Participants learn how to cooperate with others
  • Participants learn how to follow directions and abide by safety guidelines
  • Gardening activities help to build endurance and emphasize attention skills
  • Horticultural activities help lessen feelings of anxiety and aggressive tendencies
Prospective students will be welcomed into this non-credit program under the auspices of the Center for Workforce Development Program. Limited to 8 students per session. Please note that certification requires full participation in the course and lab experiences. Students may be eligible for funding from their service providers.  Talk with your transition coordinator, DDD or DVRS counselor for more information.

INSTRUCTOR: Denise Capoano, MBA, RD

Friday, Jan 19-Apr 26, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (no class March 29)

End-of-Project Celebration Fri, Apr 26

On campus: LHT 110

14 sessions, 63 hrs, CEU 6.3

Course: 28603

Cost: $2,499

Contact Adriana Mendez for registration information – amendez@ccm.edu or 973-328-5280.

Construction Site Aide (CAR 200-E)

This course teaches vocational skills in construction to prepare for careers at sites, home improvement organizations and local warehouses. Topics include the safe use of tools, moving and securing materials and proper use of equipment.

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Johnson

14 sessions: 28 hrs, CEU 2.8

Fri, Feb 2-March 15, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

On campus: AMEC

Cost: $2,999

Contact Adriana Mendez for registration information – amendez@ccm.edu or 973-328-5280.

Student Attributes for Participation and Success

A student entering this program will be expected to exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Each student is responsible for their own self-care: This includes personal hygiene and maintaining a clean uniform and professional appearance.
  • No inappropriate outbursts and the ability to self-monitor and self-regulate behavior, use of appropriate language and actions. (Please see the CCM Student Code of Conduct (p. 22) in the CCM Student Handbook for rules and regulations.
  • Behavior appropriate for the workplace including public arena. Applicant must be able to self-regulate and be aware of his/her own body in space
  • Self-Manage the work task
  • Self-Motivated in managing the work
  • Able to organize work flow
  • Respect for others
  • Effectively manage mild stress (e.g. time demands)
  • Able to work in a team or individually
  • Remain organized during tasks and classwork
  • Cognitive and psychomotor skills sufficient to function in a horticultural environment and be able to understand basic instructions and carry out those instructions, consistently with moderate supervision.
  • Read, comprehend and follow basic directions, including the transfer to action.
  • Ability to recognize a hazardous/unsafe situation/environment and act upon it appropriately.
  • Reasoning sufficient to understand a critique and correction of work and/or constructive criticism.
  • Sustained attention to workload over time and goal achievement.
  • The student has the desire and motivation to participate in a pre-vocational college experience. Willing to learn about and use horticultural tools and equipment. Can use basic technology (cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.).
  • Can self-administer medications.
  • Able to communicate with others and express needs
  • Able to handle changes in routine and can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances

If you’re an employer or community resource interested in employing our Opportunity Programs students, please contact Wendi Manderioli, Transition Success Coach, at wmanderioli@ccm.edu or 973-328-5073.