Gain skills and confidence in the kitchen to prepare for work in NYC’s food industry and beyond.
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 systemic 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: January 2026 Join an info session by December 16th to apply! |
Program includes:
- Hands-on culinary training led by experienced restaurant professionals, preparing you for entry into a restaurant kitchen
- Training for the NYC Food Protection Exam
- Work and continue to learn as a paid, full-time employee (apprentice) in a demanding restaurant kitchen
- An opportunity to start your culinary career in a respected NYC restaurant
- Stipend of $355 for 8 weeks
- Daily MetroCards to get to training
Requirements
Confidence in the Kitchen
“I can’t thank the instructors enough for all the tools and perspective they gave from their own experiences. I think about what they taught me all the time when I’m working.”
—Gulden, First Course NYC graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we expect to learn?
Culinary Fundamentals: 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. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for intermediate speakers is also available.
First Course NYC: You will learn the basic skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a successful restaurant cook. We’ll cover everything from time management and reading recipes to how to properly set up a work station and how to read and follow a prep sheet. You’ll learn technical cooking skills such as deep frying, sautéing, sauce making and more.
Front of House: You will gain fundamental skills in hospitality and customer service, including professional readiness, food knowledge and description, and point of sales systems.
If I am accepted, what are the requirements?
- Have an interest in cooking and the intention to work in the food industry
- Commit to attending training every day
- Show up on time
- Have an open and flexible schedule for the duration of the program
What support services are available?
Hot Bread Kitchen offers all members support services for members’ needs outside the workplace. We know that a successful career requires a stable home, transportation, childcare and more. Our 1:1 coaching sessions offer guidance and referrals to our vast network of community partners.
Hot Bread Kitchen’s job placement team works with members and our network of employers and supports members through the job application process. Members will also participate in “mock interviews” to practice interviewing skills.
Are the programs virtual or in-person?
Trainings are held in-person at our Manhattan kitchen facility (Chelsea Market) or partner locations around New York City.
What is the interview process like?
Culinary Fundamentals: 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.
First Course: First, you will attend an information session. After learning more about the program, you’ll be given the link to apply.
Applicants will be invited to interview based on their initial applications. If you are invited in for an interview, you will meet with Hot Bread Kitchen team members for us to learn more about your interest in the program and availability. The interview is a chance for us to get to know you and your goals better!
During your interview, you will also be asked to take online assessments that will test your listening and problem solving skills.
The next step is to attend an observational session at one of our restaurant partners where you will get to watch what a day in the life of a restaurant cook looks like. Applicants will be notified via email at every step of the way.
Front of House: First, you will fill out a short application. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview.
How long are the programs?
Culinary Fundamentals: 5 weeks of Culinary Training at Chelsea Market; 6 weeks at Outpost locations
First Course: 8 weeks of Culinary Training plus 6 weeks at on-the-job-training site
Front of House: 4 weeks of training
What types of jobs will the programs prepare me for?
Culinary Fundamentals: entry-level roles in the food industry including prep cook, food service worker, pastry assistant, and entry-level baker.
First Course: prep cook or line cook
Front of House: Customer-facing roles such as cashier, counter server, or barista.
How soon can I expect to start a job?
Most people who complete the program start a job within one month. It depends on your schedule and availability, as well as employer onboarding process and timeline. We’ll walk you through it all!
