SST Student Gets 'Intense' Apprenticeship at Lindt Chocolate

EXETER, NH — Culinary arts senior Michaela Stable, of Exeter, is embarking on a tasty career after graduation. She recently became the first female from Seacoast School of Technology to earn an apprenticeship with Lindt Chocolate in Stratham.

In July, Stable will be starting the Lindt master chocolatier's yearlong manufacturing skills training program. There, she will join 13 other Lindt apprentices from across the region who have joined the program. During a ceremony on Tuesday, Stable, an Epping High School student, officially met officially with with some of the Lindt representatives.

"This program encompasses many different job functions, like taking responsibility for a production line and working with a team," said Lindt Production Director Kurt Stucki. "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 the Lindt headquarters in Stratham. According to SST, Stable will be working directly on the production line, ensuring that all machines are operating correctly and in line with safety and quality standards. By the end of the program, she and the other apprentices will have the chance to earn certification from the Department of Labor recognizing completion of the accredited manufacturing skills training. She will also have an opportunity to join the Lindt production team full-time, SST officials said.

Stable said she aspires to open her own bakery or restaurant one day.

"I had no idea I was the first female from SST to join this program," said Stable. "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."

Lindt Vice President of Human Resources Lisa Cloutier added, "Traditionally, we find that manufacturing careers tend to be a male dominated career choice. 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."

SST, located in Exeter, has a long-standing relationship with Lindt. For the past five years, SST students from all areas of technical study have had the opportunity to earn positions at Lindt through its training program, according to SST. Each year, the school's graduates head to Lindt to complete its training program and go on to become employees with the company.

This year's SST students applied to the training program in the winter. In February, they toured the Lindt facility in Stratham, where they also underwent an interview process. Lindt extended their apprenticeship offer to Stable in March.

"We're extremely excited for Michaela," said SST Principal Margaret Callahan. "We're lucky to have such a wonderful student and Lindt is fortunate to have her. 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 competancies that are essential in any job. The core qualities Lindt is looking for, Michaela has because of what she's learned here.