I joined the hospital district around twenty years ago as a summer worker when I was 18 years old, and I’ve been on the same path ever since. I’ve been a dietary cook at Kaarea for eight years now.

A dietary cook is responsible for preparing meals that meet special dietary requirements. The work is varied, because special dietary requirements have increased sharply in recent years, and menus often need to be adapted and combined. Luckily, we have a nutritional therapist and a handbook to help us.

I completed a specialist vocational qualification in special diet services alongside my work. It was a great way to develop my skills. This is such a stable workplace with lovely colleagues that I can’t see myself leaving.

– Mirkka, dietary cook, catering services