Our Stone Soup team developed a three tiered, 12-week basic Culinary Training Program.  Tier One (first four weeks) teaches participants the foundational culinary skills including food safety and sanitation, knife skills, and basic cooking techniques. Tier Two (second four weeks) is our catering program. Participants will have a chance to apply their new skills in daily practical meal making. Tier Three (last four weeks) participants work with our Production and Retail team in a work training environment.

​

Participants in our culinary training program gain a basic understanding of kitchen safety, fundamental cooking methods and techniques, kitchen and restaurant dynamics and their roles in the food preparation process. Our Chef Instructors design projects that trainees can accomplish to build self-confidence while they evaluate participant strengths and guide them in areas of growth.

A critical part of our program and the development of our participants comes from the ability to work together as a team. Participants learn communication skills, conflict resolution and teamwork. 

In addition, our Workforce and Interpersonal Skills Education (WISE) modules help participants grow their job readiness skills. In these courses, participants will cover subjects like:

​

Resume & Cover Letter Writing

Interview Skills

SMART Goals

Elevator Speech

One of our main priorities is to support participants in finding meaningful work that’s right for them.  With our network of employers and partnered agencies, we connect graduates of our program with exciting job opportunities.  Participants have access to laptops and job search support with our Supportive Services Coordinator. Graduates also receive ongoing opportunities to connect and consult with staff in their job searches and receive letters of recommendation upon graduation.