Uniform
In the culinary environment it's a particular challenge to have students respect the uniform as something other than just something to get dirty in instead of clothes.
Carrie,
We employ the same process at our campus. We see a large umber of students who take their appearance and professional points very seriously, while others allow themselves to lose points from their final grade for dirty shoes, wrinkled clothing, etc. We also offer our students an ironing closet, allowing them a place to iron their uniforms if they do not have the time or resources otherwise available.
i bring different students to the front of the class when i see that they have made extra effort to look well put together!
I try to explain the uniform concept with the students as a habit that needs to be formed prior to entering the workplace. If something becomes a habit you do it without even having to think about it. In my line of work (criminal justice) nearly every job has some sort of uniform requirement.
Linda,
Agreed. First impressions are so important.
Susan Backofen
If you let students know that their uniforms are what employers see them as and an effective way to get a job, they will show more respect in wearing them as part of the program instead of casual clothes. Let them know employers look at the uniform and thats their first impression of the person.
Kristie,
Great! It is so important to get them in the right frame of mind while they are with us. And first impressions make such a lasting difference!
Susan Backofen
I feel the same way. wearing uniforms is less cost efficient rather than wearing street clothes which cost more money out of the pocket. Uniforms are easily kept--if done the right way.
I work in the healthcare field. and working with patients/customers they look at our appearance. is our uniforms presentable and not like it was rolled up in a ball. I try to teach my students the care of uniforms and his or her personal appearance that will "sell" the person in the job force--plus attitude must be a positive one.
We have uniform 'issues' here as well. In the Massage Therapy & Skin environmnet, they are expected to wear black professional pants/shoes with their school shirt.
We have students that don't understand why they can't wear their basketball shirts or tight yoga pants.
We have to explain to them that we are setting them up for success in the workplace. We want to make sure they understand what professional attire is and what will be expected of them in their career field.
We battle this all the time!
Carrie,
This sounds like great reinforcement to their career skills and is so important!
Susan Backofen
After roll call, we do an inspection of uniforms. If students are not in full uniform, professional points are lost for the day. We constantly stress how important it is to be professional in our field.
We check them in every day to create a professional standard and to model our industry and to set self pride in the classroom
Aaron,
Do you do anything in particular to overcome this?
Susan Backofen
That is great! How do you present that to the students? Please, give more information on how you do this!
