Three Disneyland Resort cast members, Alexys McCoy, Joleen Piser and Ashley Parrish, have completed their six-month journey to become certificated culinarians with the American Culinary Federation. The trio earned the certification by participating in the Disneyland Resort Culinary Apprentice Program that provides 1,000 hours of diverse, hands-on training for cast members who are aspiring chefs.
Alexys, Joleen and Ashley rotated Disneyland Resort dining locations every two weeks, learning new culinary skills from preparing signature sauces at Carthay Circle Restaurant to baking bread at Boudin Bakery. The apprentices said the exposure to so many styles of food, equipment and cooking techniques in such a short period of time has been hugely beneficial.
Chef de Cuisine Bill Orton, who oversees culinary training, chef recruiting and special dietary programs at the Disneyland Resort, developed and leads the Culinary Apprentice Program, now in its second year.
“It is so rewarding to see our cast members learn and grow,” said Chef Bill. “Teaching is my favorite part of being a chef. There are only a few apprenticeship programs available in this county; I am honored to be leading ours.”
