Gain skills and confidence in the kitchen to prepare for work in NYC’s food industry and beyond.
Our food career program provides the technical and professional skills you need for employment in this vibrant sector. After completing this program, Hot Bread Kitchen will place you in a good job with one of our quality food employer partners. 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.
Signature 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.
| Best For | Women, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people 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: 10am to 3pm English language skills (if needed): 3pm to 5pm ET Classes are also offered in the evening at partner locations. Times are subject to change. |
| Where | In-person programming is located at Hot Bread Kitchen’s headquarters in Chelsea Market or takes place at locations throughout the city. |
| When | 2023 dates to be announced |
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!
Requirements
Confidence in the Kitchen
“When I started doing this and they told me that it’s a male-dominated field where they don’t want to let females in, I wanted to make it my business to get in there. I’m really good at bread. I take pride in that. I want to learn, I want to grow, I want to be challenged, I want to invent and make recipes.”
—Sharabia, Hot Bread Kitchen member
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. You should expect to spend ~5-6 hours per day (~30 hours/week) in training.
- 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?
Training is held in-person at our Manhattan kitchen facility (Chelsea Market) or partner locations around New York City.
Do I need a computer and Wi-fi to participate?
It is ideal to have Wi-Fi for virtual sessions if needed, 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?
2023 dates coming soon!
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.
