From temp job to pastry chef: how CFCC’s baking program empowered Larry O’Driscoll
Leaving his Baltimore home to follow his new wife to Wilmington, Larry O’Driscoll also left his chocolatier business behind. Larry worked in the restaurant and baking industries for many years, but with the move, he found himself starting over in a new market. He wanted to continue his passion for baking and pastry arts, so he enrolled in CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program in the summer of 2020.
FATEFUL DISCOVERY
Larry started working with a temporary employment agency to help get started in the Wilmington job market. The agency readily placed him in a short-term position.
His first assignment? Working in the CFCC student bookstore.
Larry quickly learned that CFCC had a path to help him achieve his career goals in the Wilmington area. So, he promptly applied to CFCC.
“During my work breaks, I would look through the textbooks and talk to everyone there about the programs CFCC offered,” Larry explained. “That’s when I saw a chef kit and baking textbooks and discovered that CFCC offered Culinary and Baking and Pastry Arts programs.”
ACCESSIBLE, INCLUSIVE
Larry points out that students do not need a culinary background to enroll in the Baking and Pastry Arts program. He shared the class with beginners and more experienced students like himself.
Despite having almost three decades of work experience, Larry was able to enhance and polish his skill set with the guidance of his instructors. With the added advantage of his certifications and associate degree, Larry feels well-equipped and ahead of the curve in the competitive job market.
“Even though I had a lot of experience in the industry, I had nothing on paper,” commented Larry. “Having accreditation in this field is extremely important. That was a big impetus for me to enter CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program.”
Quality Instruction
Larry was thoroughly impressed by the quality of instruction he received at CFCC. The program’s instructors, all of whom are industry experts, provided comprehensive training in a diverse range of subjects, including equipment operation, sanitation, and various advanced baking techniques.
“There is extraordinary talent in this program, such as Chef Phillip Jones,” shares Larry. “He is a fun instructor who is supportive and creative. Chef Jones is an excellent cook and baker. He is naturally gifted in the culinary arts.”
Area employers are equally impressed with CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program. Larry witnessed CFCC’s reputation opening doors for current students as well.
OPENING THE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
Larry’s enrollment in CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program helped him get ahead with his next job assignment at the Wilmington Convention Center, assisting with catering events. While initially, his tasks were limited to washing dishes, an observant chef saw that Larry could do more and moved him to the production side. After his employer learned he was enrolled in CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program, they offered to buy out his contract with the temporary agency and hired him full-time.
CFCC’s Chef Jones is not surprised at Larry’s success. Jones remembers Larry being a curious and talented student.
“I immediately knew he was no stranger to the kitchen when he came into class,” explained Jones. “It was a pleasure to have him in the BPA program, and I know he will continue to do great things.”
NEVER STOP LEARNING
Larry graduated from CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program in May 2022 and continues to work at the convention center. But he is not finished learning yet. Next up: CFCC’s Culinary Arts program.
Some day Larry would love to teach. Until then, he will focus on building his chocolatier business and showcasing his mouth-watering confectioneries on his Instagram account, Gemini Chocolatiers.
If you are interested in training for a career in the baking and pastry arts, learn more about CFCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts program.
