RAI Amsterdam opens its kitchens for local training and charity meals

Convention and exhibition venue RAI Amsterdam has stepped in to help catering school students gain practical experience during these difficult times, with the industry at a standstill and classrooms too small to keep adequate distance during training. Catering college students from the ROC college of Amsterdam were invited in to the RAI kitchens, which certainly do not suffer from lack of space. The kitchens have been used to preparing thousands of meals a day and now, for three days a week, 16 students of various levels come to the RAI to gain experience. They are taught in a professional environment by their own instructors and are also supervised by two RAI chefs. Rientz Mulder, executive chef of RAI Amsterdam, said: “The ROC was looking for space and practical experience and we now have that available, so the connection was made quickly. We are now examining whether we can expand this learning experience to more days per week or for other fields of study. In this way, the kitchen and our expertise are put to valuable use in these difficult times.” “We sought co-operation with the RAI so that our students can work on their practical skills in safe conditions, within a business environment. In this way we can limit the learning deficit of our students, and can help them on their way to their practical exams. We are very happy with the opportunities that the RAI offers us here,” says Peter Strijdonk, training manager of ROC, College Centrum. The RAI chefs are also prepare hot meals for homeless people in Amsterdam, making use the frozen stock that cannot be processed in time in the RAI’s business due to the coronavirus situation. The Salvation Army then distributes these hot meals at three locations in the city.