Ogram - ICCA
Smart Hands Program

A Culinary Program for all Casuals to Learn, Level Up and Earn More...
1500+
active clients
AED 15M+
paid out to workers in 2023
4.5
workers satisfaction score
1st
School of its kind in the middle east
19+
YEARS OF CONTINUED EXCELLENCE
10,000+
STUDENTS TRAINED SUCCESSFULLY

Why Choose The Program

A visionary collaboration between Ogram, an expert in on-demand staffing solutions company and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), Dubai, the Middle East's premier award-winning culinary school.

A concise yet comprehensive training program that encompasses the necessary fundamental knowledge and skillset, safety protocols, industry etiquette, and best practices, helping facilitate seamless integration and quality delivery.  

Those certified will be highly recommended, opening doors to better opportunities with higher earning potential.

A chef is preparing food in a kitchen.

The ICCA Certified Smart Hands in Cookery

Master teamwork, conflict resolution, and guest service theory. Refine culinary skills with measurements, tool calibration, and cooking techniques for a diverse culinary skill set.

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A couple of people that are in a kitchen.

The ICCA Certified Smart Hands in Baking & Patisserie

Perfect teamwork, conflict resolution, and guest service principles. Enhance baking prowess through measurements, tool calibration, and pastry techniques for creating exquisite desserts and pastries.

Read More
Two chefs preparing food in a restaurant kitchen.

The ICCA Certified Smart Hands in Cookery

Master teamwork, conflict resolution, and guest service theory. Refine culinary skills with measurements, tool calibration, and cooking techniques for a diverse culinary skill set.

Read More

The ICCA Certified Smart Hands in Baking & Patisserie

Perfect teamwork, conflict resolution, and guest service principles. Enhance baking prowess through measurements, tool calibration, and pastry techniques for creating exquisite desserts and pastries.

Read More
A group of chefs preparing food in a kitchen.

About the Program

The Smart Hands Training Program, is designed for aspiring casuals, focusing on practical application, effective delivery, and tangible outcomes. It cultivates both personal and professional growth while instilling a mindset geared towards culinary excellence.

As a graduate of the Smart Hands Program, you'll qualify for higher-paying stints. This reflects the culinary skills and knowledge you've gained, making you a valuable casual in any kitchen.

Get
Higher
Pay Rates

Stand out in the Ogram community with priority access to job placements. This means you get a priority on the top cooking opportunities, putting you ahead of the competition.

Get
Access to
Premium Jobs

Unlock the opportunity to showcase your culinary talents with prestigious clients, including five-star hotels and high-end restaurants. This exposure can significantly boost your professional reputation and open doors to exciting prospects.

Get
To Work with
Elite Clients

Display your achievement proudly with a special ICCA badge on your Ogram profile. This badge is a symbol of your commitment to quality and distinguishes you.

Get
Ogram-ICCA
Badge

Receive the cooking skills rating on Ogram, highlighting you as a prime candidate for better culinary opportunities. This rating is a testament to your expertise and dedication to quality.

Get
Skills Rated
on Ogram

The Curriculum

The Smart Hands Program curriculum hones essential knowledge, skills, and best practices, helping to set the foundation for a successful stint as a casual in the culinary industry.

What You'll Learn? 

Theory Sessions Cover:

Work with colleagues and customers - Work in a Culturally Diverse Environment - Dealing with Conflict - Self-Development - Provide Guest Service - Follow Health Safety and Security Procedures - Introduction to the Kitchen and Hospitality Industry - Food Safety and HACCP.

Practical Sessions Focus on:

Units of Measurement (Metric System vs Imperial System) - Conversion Between Systems - Measuring and Scaling Recipes Practice - Comparative Density Study - Calibration of Kitchen Tools - Proper Usage of a Thermometer - Cutting Skills: Knife Safety and Types of Knives - Equipment Training: Names of Kitchen Tools and Utensils, Proper Usage, Cleaning, and Care - Preparation Techniques: Terminology of Techniques - Methods of Cookery: Basic Methods of Cookery - Storage Management: Receiving, Naming, and Identification of Commodities, Different Types of Storage, Cleaning, Chiller Tagging, and Labelling .

Duration and Delivery

The Smart Hands Training Program spans two weeks (6 days a week) for a comprehensive 12 days of transformative training. Each day is meticulously structured to introduce new topics, reinforce previous learnings, and ensure familiarity and mastery through repeated reinforcement. 

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements

The individual must be 18 - 45 years of age.

Assessment and Certification Process

Upon successful completion of the daily and end-of-course assessments, learners will be awarded a certificate of completion from ICCA Dubai, attested by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Government of Dubai, UAE. 

Learn, Level Up and Earn More...

Course starts on May 27, 2024, only 7 seats left (limited availability)

Time Remaining
00
Days

Sign up now to reserve your seat

ICCA Student Stories

Meet the ICCA alumni who started their culinary journey with us. Here's their experience and where they are today...

Meet The Faculty

Members of our faculty are industry veterans, who bring years of work experience with top brands from around the world to the training delivered here…

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Salmaa Tahseen

Assistant Chef Instructor Baking & Patisserie

A passionate pastry enthusiast turned entrepreneur, I’ve transformed my love for baking into a successful business rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. Trained at ICCA Dubai with a Diploma in Pastry Making, I specialize in custom cakes, wedding masterpieces, and curated dessert tables. From collaborating with top chefs at Taste of Abu Dhabi to managing events and buffet presentations, my journey is all about pushing the boundaries of sweet artistry. Let's connect and explore the delicious side of life, one dessert at a time.

Connect on Linkedin

Salmaa Tahseen

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Hilmi Syamsi

Chef Instructor- Baking & Patisserie

With over two decades of experience in the bakery and pastry arts, this chef has carved a name across Dubai’s top hospitality giants — from the artisan elegance of Armani Hotel and Fairmont The Palm to the high-volume precision of Emirates Flight Catering. Now a Pastry & Bakery Chef Instructor at ICCA, they bring a rich blend of luxury hotel finesse, production-scale expertise, and a passion for mentorship to shape the next generation of culinary professionals.

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Hilmi Syamsi

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Sameer Ahmed

Chef Instructor Hot & Cold Kitchens

With over 14 years of international experience across Qatar,Bahrain, Kuwait, Singapore, and India, Chef Sameer Ahmed brings a wealth ofexpertise in multi-outlet operations, luxury dining, and diverse globalcuisines. As Group Executive Chef at Meera Group, Abu Dhabi, he leads culinaryinnovation across multiple venues, specializing in menu design, costoptimization, and team development. A passionate mentor and strategist, ChefSameer is known for blending creativity with precision to deliver exceptional diningexperiences.

Connect on Linkedin

Sameer Ahmed