Gain skills and confidence in the kitchen to prepare for work in NYC’s food industry and beyond.
Culinary Training Program
This program provides hands-on instruction on basic culinary and baking techniques, food safety, and other kitchen fundamentals. It also includes 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.
People who complete this program are placed in high-quality jobs such as prep cook, entry-level baker, food service worker, and pastry assistant 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 $17 an hour.
- Time commitment: About 25-30 hours per week for 5 weeks
- Possible jobs include: baker, prep cook, cashier, food service worker, and pastry assistant
- Average starting wage for food jobs: $17/hour
- Jump to program overview
Upcoming 2022 Cohort Dates
- September 27 – November 4 (Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan)
- September 12 – October 28 (Brooklyn, NY)
Program overview
Interview
A few weeks before the program starts we will contact you by email, phone or text to schedule an interview.
Food Career program interview will include: working interview with time in the kitchen and one-on-one interviews
Applicants will be notified if they are selected for the program
Training
Food Career Program (5 weeks)
- Kitchen fundamentals including knife skills
- Cooking techniques and bakery production
- Basic safety and sanitation
- Professional readiness (Interview Preparation, Conflict Resolution, etc.)
Job placement
You will work with our team to prepare and interview for a role in the food field with one of our employer partners.
Ongoing support
As a member of Hot Bread Kitchen, you will receive support throughout your first year of employment and beyond!
Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we expect to learn?
During the 5 weeks of training, you’ll learn knife skills, kitchen fundamentals, cooking techniques, bakery production, basic safety and sanitation, and personal and professional skills to get you ready for a job in the food industry.
If I am accepted, what are the requirements?
- Commit to attending training every day. Much of the training will be in-person at our Manhattan kitchen facility, and some of the training will be held virtually via Zoom. You should expect to spend ~5-6 hours per day (~30 hours/week) in training.
- Complete coursework outside of class
- Show up on time
- Have an open and flexible schedule for the duration of the program, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – more information here
Does Hot Bread Kitchen require COVID-19 Vaccination?
Yes, Hot Bread Kitchen is requiring participants in all programs to be vaccinated and, if eligible, to have completed a booster shot.
Are the programs virtual or in-person?
Most of the training will be in-person at our Manhattan kitchen facility (75 9th Avenue) and some of the training will be held virtually via Zoom.
Do I need a computer and Wi-fi to participate?
It is ideal to have Wi-fi for virtual sessions, but if you do not have a computer or Wi-fi we can provide those to you.
What is the interview process like?
First, you will fill out a short application. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview process, which will include a kitchen interview as one-on-one interviews (no culinary experience is required!) Applicants will be notified via text message if they are selected for the program.
How long are the programs?
The program is 5 weeks long.
When do the programs meet?
Food Career Program: TBD.
Will I receive a certificate? Will I receive the NYC Food Protection Certificate?
Our program includes 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.
What types of jobs will the programs prepare me for?
The program will prepare you for entry-level roles including prep cook, food service worker, pastry assistant, and entry-level baker.
