Culinary Training

We can only accept applications from the actual interested party. If you know someone you think would be a good candidate for this program, recommend the program to them and have them fill out the application and submit it to us directly.

Applicants must be 18 years old by the start date of the course. There is no age limit. Participants typically range in age from 18 to 60.

All applicants should:

• be able to read, write, and understand English at a 6th-grade level
• have the dexterity and endurance necessary to work for hours in a commercial kitchen
• have housing, transportation, and child-care arrangements in order so that they can reliably attend training sessions
• be clean and sober for at least the past 6 months
• not have a history of violent or sexual criminal offenses

We are looking to assist individuals in financial hardship who have a genuine enthusiasm for food service – and can commit to the effort required to gain the skills and professionalism necessary to succeed in the culinary industry.

Only those whose combined household income is unable to sustain themselves and their family, and are unable to obtain a job at a living wage with the skills and experience they currently possess, should apply for this program.

This course is geared towards those who have only moderate or no training in a professional kitchen, but with a passion for food preparation and a sincere desire and capacity to work in food service as a full-time occupation.

It is important to recognize that this is a job-training program, not a culinary school. Individuals with considerable experience or education in the culinary field would not benefit from this course and will not be accepted.

As it is necessary to provide for a safe working environment for our trainees, staff, and volunteers, we cannot accept applicants with histories of violent or sexual offenses. For this reason, applicants who are considered for participation must consent to a background check.

For those who have had records of prior criminal activity or substance abuse, we do look for evidence that such problems are not currently an issue for a candidate, and that they have a support system to help prevent them from relapsing into a harmful behavior.

It is important to note that our kitchen is not ADA certified and we try to assist individuals with moderate challenges or medical issues to succeed in this training program. Working in a commercial kitchen can require standing for extended periods of time and repetitive hand motions and coordination, so applicants should consider whether they have the endurance and dexterity to perform this kind of work and be a viable candidate for employment in this field.

We recognize that every individual has a unique background and set of challenges; therefore, we always evaluate eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Our goal is to help those with obstacles to finding employment gain the skills to overcome those obstacles. Individuals with personal challenges that have made securing employment difficult should not hesitate to apply if they are prepared to put in the effort necessary to rise above them. We only ask that applicants sincerely evaluate if they are prepared to make a serious commitment to the hard work involved, and capable of safely and efficiently working in a busy kitchen environment.