Gain skills and confidence in the kitchen to prepare for work in NYC’s food industry and beyond.
Our food career programs provide the technical and professional skills you need for employment in this vibrant sector. We are with you every step of the way—from selecting a role that fits your skills and schedule, to helping you prepare your resume and get ready for your interview.
Interested in learning more? Get all the details in one place and join us for a virtual info session about our cost-free training programs!
Signature Culinary Fundamentals Program
This program provides hands-on instruction on basic culinary and baking techniques, food safety, and other kitchen fundamentals. Our culinary training programs include training for the NYC Food Protection Exam. Passing the exam earns you the Food Protection Certification, a valuable, lifelong credential and significant advantage in the food industry job market. Intermediate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is also available.
People who complete this program are placed in high-quality entry level jobs in the food industry with employers such as Restaurant Associates @ Google, Eataly, Whole Foods Market, Amy’s Bread and more. Most of these food jobs have access to benefits and set schedules and the average starting wage is $18.38/hour. A stipend of $200 is provided during the first four weeks of training.
Ready to get started?
Complete a brief application indicating your interest in this program and a staff member will be in touch with next steps, including an interview process. Our helpful staff will walk you through every step!
| Best For | Individuals facing barriers to meaningful careers who are ready to take steps toward a first job in the food industry. |
| Class Size | 25—35 |
| Time Commitment | 25 hours per week for 5 weeks Culinary and professional readiness instruction: 10 am to 3:15 pm ESOL for intermediate English speakers: 3:30pm to 5:00pm Classes are also offered in the evening at partner locations. Times are subject to change. |
| Where | Hot Bread Kitchen’s headquarters in Chelsea Market or locations throughout the city |
| When | Upcoming Training Dates: Chelsea Market: August 18th — September 17th |
Culinary Career Pathways for New New Yorkers
(Caminos Culinarios Para Nuevos Neoyorquinos)
This new program provides hands-on instruction on basic culinary and baking techniques, food safety, and other kitchen fundamentals, specially tailored to the needs of newly arrived, Spanish-speaking New Yorkers who are authorized to work. Instruction will be provided in English and Spanish by bilingual instructors and support staff.
Ready to get started?
Our culinary training program includes:
- Fundamental skills training emphasizing cooking techniques, basic baking and pastry production, and knife skills
- Professional skills including kitchen culture and career preparation
- Training for the NYC Food Protection Exam
- Intensive English language support
- Stipend of $160/week for 5 weeks
- Daily MetroCards to get to training
| Best For | Those with work authorization who are ready to take steps toward a job in the food industry |
| Class Size | 20—25 |
| Time Commitment | 6 weeks of culinary training 1:45 – 4:45 pm: English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) 5 pm – 8 pm: Culinary Instruction |
| Where | Hot Bread Kitchen at Great Performances, 2417 3rd Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451 |
| When | Upcoming Training Dates: August 5th – September 15th |
First Course NYC Program
First Course NYC provides culinary instruction and apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring restaurant cooks.
Becoming a restaurant cook, or line cook, requires more advanced training and experience–and typically offers higher wages–than entry-level kitchen positions, making it an excellent opportunity to grow in a culinary career.
Hot Bread Kitchen is teaming up with New York City Small Business Services to cook up fresh career opportunities for New Yorkers.
Ready to get started?
Join us for an info session, where we’ll walk you through the program and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
| Best For | Individuals facing barriers to meaningful careers who are ready to take steps toward a first job in the food industry. |
| Class Size | ~25 |
| Time Commitment | 8 weeks of Culinary Training: 2pm—9pm 6 weeks at on-the-job-training site (schedule up to restaurant; 35 hours/week) |
| Where | Culinary Training takes place at Hot Bread Kitchen’s headquarters in Chelsea Market. |
| When | Upcoming Program Dates: September 14th – November 10th Join an info session to apply! |
Front of House Training
The program teaches participants about hospitality and customer service, professional readiness, food knowledge and description, and point of sales. Throughout the course of the program, members will engage with in-person instruction, discussion, and activities, supplemented with quizzes and assessments. A $150 weekly stipend is provided during the first three weeks of training.
Ready to get started?
Complete a brief application indicating your interest in this program and a staff member will be in touch with next steps, including an interview process.
| Best For | Individuals facing barriers to meaningful careers who are ready to take steps toward a first job in the food industry. |
| Class Size | ~25 |
| Time Commitment | 4 weeks, Monday—Friday, 10am—1pm |
| Where | Hot Bread Kitchen’s headquarters in Chelsea Market |
| When | Upcoming Training Dates: September 21st – October 20th |
Requirements
Confidence in the Kitchen
“Training with Hot Bread Kitchen was so helpful for me because it made jumping straight into my line of work easier. Training with the knife so I wouldn’t hurt my hands and knowing how to communicate effectively in the kitchen helped tremendously with my job.”
—Ofelia, Culinary Fundamentals graduate
