The Rocket City Trash Pandas Baseball team is excited to announce the launch of Cooking for Success, a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This 4-6 week semi-intensive program is open to individuals aged 16 and older, regardless of culinary experience, and focuses on equipping participants with essential skills needed to excel in a professional kitchen.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen, learning vital culinary techniques, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices. Weekly sessions will incorporate practical cooking, food preparation, and mentorship from experienced chefs. The curriculum also emphasizes teamwork and includes assessments to ensure mastery of skills.
Program Goals:
- Skill Development: To provide participants with practical cooking, food preparation, and kitchen management skills to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen environment.
- Employment Readiness: To prepare participants for entry-level positions in the culinary and food service industry through hands-on experience and understanding of food safety standards.
- Certification: To offer participants an opportunity to earn a SERV Safe or other recognized food safety certification, enhancing their employability.
Program Structure and Curriculum:
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Hours per Week: 8-10 hours
Each week, the curriculum will focus on different aspects of culinary training. It will include hands-on practice, school-style tests, homework, and team-based learning in a simulated kitchen environment. Additionally, participants will receive mentorship from experienced chefs and industry professionals.
Program Resources:
Instructors: Professional chefs and experienced kitchen managers.
Head Chef Jared “JT” Chandler
Kitchen Ops Manager Chauncey Jorden
B.O.H Manager Andrew Osborne
Local Chefs TBD
Facilities: Access to a fully equipped commercial kitchen for hands-on learning. Featuring Toyota Field
Materials: Recipe books, kitchen safety guides, and cooking tools provided.
Partnerships and Employment Opportunities:
Cooking for Success may be partnered with local restaurants, catering companies, and food service providers to offer employment opportunities for graduates. A job placement team may help connect program participants with potential employers and organize job fairs at the end of the program. Most applicants who complete the program will be offered employment at Toyota Field in the food and beverage department.
Participant Expectations:
- Full attendance and participation in all hands-on and classroom-style sessions.
- Adherence to safety standards and kitchen protocols.
- Completion of all assigned tasks and projects.
- Active engagement in mentorship and employment readiness workshops.
Conclusion:
Cooking for Success is more than just a culinary program; it is a community-driven initiative designed to empower participants with life skills and job readiness in the food service industry. With the knowledge gained and certifications earned, participants will have the opportunity to secure meaningful employment, contribute to their communities, and build successful culinary careers.