Lynette Mattson Continues on Culinary Career Goal

When Lynette Mattson started on her career path, it seemed like a long and arduous journey, with many incremental steps along the way. But she has finally achieved success, due to a lot of perseverance and help from numerous supporters and programs.

She completed her associate’s degree in the Culinary Arts program at Blackhawk Technical College and is working as a Shift Manager at Burger King in Beloit. But her ultimate goal is to start her own catering business. “I’ve had the opportunity to cater events for family and friends, but would love to do that as a career,” Lynette said.

She has been in contact with UW Extension-Whitewater, which has the proper resources to help her develop a business plan. Lynette cited many people who have helped her along the way, from BTC Adult Basic Education instructor Carol Seichter, who helped her navigate her options and the processes that led to earning her HSED, to Culinary Arts instructor Joe Wollinger, who “saw potential in me and encouraged me to continue on,” to Cyndi Pohl, her Career Specialist who assisted Lynette not only with encouragement and moral support but also with WIOA and FSET resources.

Lynette faced many obstacles over the years. She had completed only the 10th grade due to a pregnancy. She worked at a couple of manufacturing plants, both of which closed. She was also taking care of her of her first grandchild, who was terminally ill with an extremely rare disease, which eventually took her life. Lynette raised two daughters as a single mom.

After completing her HSED (Lynette couldn’t say enough positive things about Carol Seichter), Lynette enrolled in the Culinary Boot Camp, a short-term program designed to teach basic skills to participants.

Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Job Developer Dana Melahn and Business Services Coordinator Gail Graham were instrumental in starting Lynette on that path.

Following completion of the Boot Camp, Joe encouraged Lynette to continue on, and she did just that, earning her degree in the two-year period. FSET assisted by providing tuition assistance, book and uniform coverage, and even a new knife set and interview clothing, all of which helped her to land her new job. “Joe was outstanding. He saw potential in me that even I didn’t know I had,” Lynette said.

“Lynette loves cooking and I knew she would succeed,” Cyndi said. We look forward to hearing her progress as she continues on her career path.