Main caption: Kayden Evans, Delaware North’s first culinary apprentice through Say Yes Buffalo’s Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program graduated from the program on July 31 and will continue working at Patina 250 as a cook. Pictured, left to right, are Icheiry Rivera, Say Yes mentor supervisor and success coach; Evans; Evan Wargo, Patina 250 executive chef; and Stephanie Peete, Say Yes senior director of postsecondary success.
Kayden Evans, Delaware North’s first apprentice in Say Yes Buffalo’s Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with CareerWise Buffalo, successfully completed the program on July 31. The program offers graduating Buffalo Public Schools seniors a combination of paid, part-time work under experienced mentors and college coursework, with a goal of providing career access to young people in high-demand fields without needing an upfront degree.
Since 2023, Evans has worked as a culinary apprentice at Patina 250 alongside Executive Chef Evan Wargo. He will continue working at the restaurant as a cook.
Say Yes apprentices receive wraparound support, including coaching, career guidance and workplace mentoring from program staff and employer partners. Participants gradually increase their work hours while balancing their studies and on-the-job training, gaining hands-on experience in culinary operations, food preparation, food safety and customer service.
Ki’Niyah Brown (pictured above, second from left) is Delaware North’s newest culinary apprentice through the Say Yes program and will soon join the Sportservice team at KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, where she will work with Executive Chef Michael Buonopane.
Before beginning her apprenticeship, Brown completed Apprenticeship University, a four-week professional skills boot camp operated by Say Yes Buffalo for new participants in its Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program. The program helps prepare students for college and the workplace through hands-on workshops, daily email assignments and weekly team meetings.
Amy Tormey (pictured above, second from right), talent management partner for culinary at Delaware North, attended the completion ceremony with Wargo to congratulate Evans on his achievement and welcome Brown to the Sportservice team.