GST Michigan Works! & Fenton Winery & Brewery Meet Growing Demand for Skilled Workers through a New Registered Professional Cook Apprenticeship Program

Fenton, Genesee Co. – Fenton Winery & Brewery of Genesee County will be better able to meet the growing demand for skilled workers thanks to a new registered Professional Cook apprenticeship program.

The new apprenticeship program was developed through a partnership between Fenton Winery & Brewery and GST Michigan Works! The program is registered with the United States Department of Labor.

This is Fenton Winery & Brewery’s first apprenticeship program. The program was registered on June 2, 2023, and apprentices Lauren Fowler and Samantha Trelfa officially started their three-year training program in July 2023.

According to a statement by Fenton Winery & Brewery’s Owner, Ginny Sherrow, “the company is looking forward to offering our employees this great training. Our apprentices will receive on-the-job training and related education through this program, preparing them with the skills to become highly efficient in a commercial kitchen.” Sherrow says, “We are bringing recognition to a rewarding industry by providing our employees the opportunity to grow and advance, which will lead to long-term success.”

Apprentices in the Professional Cook program will receive 495 hours of technical instruction from Mott Community College while completing 6000 hours of hands-on work experience at Fenton Winery & Brewery’s Fenton, MI location.

When the apprentices were asked what they were looking forward to in this new chapter of their professional career, Fowler responded that she was excited about continuing her education while working in a job she loves. Trelfa also said she is excited about learning to work proficiently in a commercial kitchen while completing classes at a local community college.

GST Michigan Works! is a registered apprenticeship intermediary and sponsor approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. GSTMW! provides free intermediary services to any employer interested in starting a program. Employers who want to expand their current program can also take advantage of services. Visit https://gstmiworks.org/employers/registered-apprenticeship for further information or to schedule a meeting with a team dedicated to advancing apprenticeship programs.