For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Michaela Sable Becomes First Female Student at Seacoast School of Technology to Earn Apprenticeship with Lindt Chocolate

EXETER — Culinary Arts senior Michaela Sable is embarking on a new career path come graduation. She recently became the first female at the Seacoast School of Technology to earn an apprenticeship with Lindt.

During a ceremony at SST yesterday afternoon, Sable, of Epping High School, met with Lindt representatives to officially join the master chocolatier’s yearlong manufacturing skills training program in July. Sable will join 13 other Lindt apprentices from across the region who have joined this year’s program.

“This program encompasses many different job functions, like taking responsibility for a production line and working with a team,” Lindt Director of Production Kurt Stucki said. “This is the first year we’re offering the apprenticeship and we see it as a way to really build that skill set. It’s an intense training program and we’re looking forward to having Michaela and building out the program for students in the future.”

The paid apprenticeship, in partnership with Lindt’s temporary agency partner, Adecco Staffing, will take place at Lindt’s headquarters in Stratham. Sable will work directly on the production line, ensuring that all machines are operating correctly and in line with safety and quality standards. At the conclusion of the program, students will earn an accredited certification from the Department of Labor that recognizes their completion of this accredited manufacturing skills training and have the opportunity to join the Lindt production team full-time.

“I had no idea I was the first female from SST to join this program,” Sable said, who has aspirations to one day own her own bakery or restaurant. “It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and trying something new. I like that it’s a career where I have the opportunity to grow.”

“Traditionally, we find that manufacturing careers tend to be a male dominated career choice,” added Lindt Vice President of HR Lisa Cloutier. “As Lindt strives to promote gender equity, we are opening doors for young women who have the potential, skills and interest to pursue a career in this field. It all starts with programs like this.”

While Sable is the first female at SST to earn a spot working with Lindt, SST and the chocolate company have a longstanding relationship. For the last five years, SST students from any and all areas of technical study have had the opportunity to earn positions at Lindt through its training program. Every year, SST graduates head to Lindt to complete its training program and embark on careers with the company.

This year, interested students applied over the winter, and in February toured the facility in Stratham, where they went through a formal interview process. In March, Lindt extended an offer to Sable.

“We’re extremely excited for Michaela. We’re lucky to have such a wonderful student and Lindt is fortunate to have her,” Principal Margaret Callahan said. “What’s great about this program is that there are opportunities for everyone in manufacturing, which is the number one industry in New Hampshire. The programs at SST teach students core competencies that are essential in any job. The core qualities Lindt is looking for, Michaela has because of what she’s learned here.”

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