Taking the LEAP: Cristian Alvarado’s Journey
When Cristian Alvarado joined Healthcare Services Group as a dining services team member at the Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center, he didn’t know this job would become a flourishing career.
Before joining the HCSG dining team, Cristian worked as a cook in various chain restaurants in the Los Angeles area. He had a passion for cooking but never had the opportunity to do more. “I was in the restaurant industry, where there wasn’t a lot of room to progress. I wanted to be more than a cook— I wanted something more for myself.”
As part of the onboarding process in his new role with HCSG, Cristian learned about the various training and development programs available to all employees. One in particular sparked his interest, the Leadership Empowerment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP).
LEAP is one of the first healthcare management apprenticeships registered with the US Department of Labor for dining and environmental services. The 12-month program is uniquely designed to educate field-level employees on essential skills within dining or environmental services to prepare them for management opportunities within HCSG.
Cristian is the first member of the dining team at Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center to participate in LEAP, just six months after joining HCSG. As an apprentice, Cristian gets hands-on learning by going through each position in the dining team to learn how to effectively complete each role – from dishwasher to dietary aide to cook, working his way up to management positions. He mentioned, “LEAP takes you through each job, providing you with the necessary resources and hands-on experience to understand the team’s inner workings and reach the next level.”
Throughout his time with HCSG and as an apprentice, Cristian has seen firsthand how dining services can positively impact resident experiences and their overall care. “Making residents happy through the meals we make is extremely rewarding. Sometimes, the only thing patients can look forward to is food. Serving appetizing and nutritious food in a timely manner makes their day better.”
In the final stages of his apprenticeship, Cristian is looking forward to the opportunity to apply for an Account Manager role and grow within HCSG. “I feel supported at HCSG. It’s truly uplifting to be recognized for our daily work.”
When asked if he would recommend LEAP, Cristian raved, “I would absolutely recommend LEAP. It’s so rewarding, and you learn so much throughout the program. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and HCSG shows it is willing to invest in its employees, and you don’t see that every day. For those thinking about advancement possibilities or furthering your career, don’t give up on your dream to do more.”
HCSG offers dynamic career opportunities in management, providing a path for professional growth and leadership in the healthcare industry. With a commitment to fostering talent, we focus on training and developing individuals to excel in roles and positively impact the communities we serve. Learn more at HCSG.Careers.
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