FreshForce Student, Culinary

Feeding Tampa Bay • Tampa, FL

20h • $14 • Onsite

About The Position

The Feeding Tampa Bay Freshforce Training Program provides industry-recognized certifications and hands-on job training to individuals with barriers to employment.

The Culinary Arts program offers technical and professional skills to prepare students for employment in fields relating to food preparation, foodservice, and hospitality. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, testing, group discussion, hands-on experience, employability training, and life skills training to prepare students for successful employment in the industry. The courses offered also provide opportunities for students to obtain industry-recognized certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and gain hands-on experience with a local establishment during an externship period. Students will work both individually and as a group throughout their time in the program. Students should expect to be trained in the classroom, in the training kitchen, and in kitchens at other facilities when participating in this program.

The training program is 10 weeks long and students are in class Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The program is provided at zero cost to students and they also receive a bi-weekly stipend of $14 an hour to help them overcome any financial barriers that may deter them from successfully completing the program. Students also receive support and resources to overcome barriers relating to food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other related challenges.

Program Objective
Over 10 weeks, the Culinary Arts program aims to provide students with the skills and training needed to obtain a job in the foodservice and hospitality industry.
The program provides students with opportunities to:
Understand the principles of food identification and nutrition;
Learn and practice the professional skills used in food preparation and service;
Gain experience in the proper use and maintenance of professional knives, hand tools, and commercial kitchen equipment;
Become familiar with the layout and workflow of professional kitchens and restaurants;
Learn and practice employability skills including effective workplace communication, professionalism, resume-writing, and interviewing;
Learn and apply methods of task-management and time-management in the workplace;
Understand and apply basic principles relating to customer service.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Authorization to work in the US.
• Willingness to complete a drug screening and background check.
• Background check that does not possess a criminal history involving sexual assault or sexual battery.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
• Access to reliable transportation for the duration of the 10-week program.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to commit to the program and obtain employment in a related field.
• A completed and signed application.
• A completed FreshForce Screener and Intake Form.
• A completed in-person interview.
• Attendance during orientation.
• Possession of valid driver’s license, or a state/government- issued photo ID.

Nice To Haves

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. is preferred, but not required.
• Priority will be given to applicants experiencing barriers to employment and financial stability.

Benefits

• Learn life skills, financial literacy, technology, and customer service practices
• Gain hands-on experience while learning technical skills
• Obtain certifications needed to enter the job force
• Connect with employers in your field
• Earn a stipend while you learn

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees