Archive 2013-2019
A Fresh Start
"At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, I learned to speak English and how to become a professional baker. Now, I own my own bakery. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ helped me achieve my dreams." Ray Wei, graduate, ESL baking and pastry arts.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ graduate Ray Wei might not get a lot of shut eye these days but his dreams are certainly coming true.
Upon arriving in Canada from China -- where he worked as a sales executive with Nestlé -- Wei embarked on a new journey to learn to English as a second language and a new skill: professional baking. After graduating from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½'s full-time ESL baking and pastry arts program, he found work in local hotels and restaurants and about a year later, purchased his own bakery.
On his experience at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½; learning English and how to become a professional baker:
“The relevance and usability of the program is very strong. It's job-oriented but also takes into account development of your personal interests. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ helped with my communication skills and opened doors for me.”
“My dream of beginning a new life as an immigrant has turned into a very hard job, but I love it. I wake up at 4 a.m. every day and work over 10 hours a day. Sometimes I feel physically and mentally exhausted and want to give up. But then I think about my ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ teachers and the support they gave me. It keeps me going as well as my love for the industry and my two employees, who are also ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ baking graduates.”