Students Begin Culinary Careers With Free Training Program

Baltimore MD

20 January, 2022

5:31 PM

Description

Groundwork Kitchen, home of Paul's Place's culinary arts training program and restaurant located in Baltimore City's Pigtown community, welcomed its second cohort of students to the program last week. The 10 students, who range in age from 19 to 40 years old and are residents from across the Baltimore area, will participate in the free 12-week program before entering Baltimore's culinary workforce. "Last week was full of excitement from both the team and the students, everyone eager to dive right in and get to work," said Ellen Levy, the culinary arts training program director, who oversees recruitment, case management services and job placement and retention services. "This cohort has students looking to enter the food service industry for the first time as well as some food service employees who have discovered their passion and are looking to build their skills and earn credentials in their chosen field; all ready to start a new chapter in their lives, and we're excited to play a role in helping them do just that." Over the course of the program, the students will learn front-of-house and back-of-house skills from a dedicated staff including Training Chef Shavonya Bracken and Executive Chef Kimberly Triplett, and upon graduation, will have earned industry-recognized credentials. Groundwork Kitchen's program, operated by Paul's Place, is founded on the nationwide initiative of FareStart's Catalyst Kitchens, a proven model implemented in nearly 60 other facilities across the country. The program utilizes four integral program components: culinary skills training, life skills training, hands-on experience, and individualized case management support and coaching throughout training, job placement, and for six months after students begin their post-graduate careers. Students who have or are currently partaking in the program come from all walks of life – varying in age (19-63 years old) and education level (about half of the participants thus far have a high school diploma or their GED as their highest level), some maintaining employment elsewhere while in the program, some veterans, and many without reliable transportation. "We know that there are barriers that can make it challenging for some to enter a program like this, and Paul's Place does an incredible job supporting the students so that when they are on-site, their full focus can be on learning the skills they need to be successful in the culinary arts industry," said Chef Bracken. "Some of the students have shared their hopes and dreams for post-graduation -- several with sights on owning their own restaurants and food trucks one day and even one who shared he is hoping to operate a business that will serve those experiencing homelessness." In December, the first cohort of 14 students graduated from the program. They are working with program staff to obtain employment with local hotels, restaurants, human service organizations and hospitals. Through the program, it is anticipated that Paul's Place will provide 122 jobs and nearly $12.2 million in annual economic activity to the City of Baltimore, according to an economic impact study by Sage Policy Group that the organization commissioned in 2018. Applications are currently being accepted for those interested in participating in the program at http://groundworkkitchen.com/. The training program is open to adults 18 year or older. No previous food service experience is necessary. In order to provide the program participants support and training for the industry-recognized credentials at no cost, the program relies on the revenue from the restaurant as well as private support from the donors of Paul's Place. Those interested in making a donation to the Groundwork Kitchen culinary arts training program may do so online at https://www.groundworkkitchen.com/donate. Paul's Place is a catalyst and leader for change, improving the quality of life in the Washington Village/Pigtown neighborhood and the surrounding Southwest Baltimore communities. Paul's Place provides programs, services, and support that strengthen individuals and families, fostering hope, personal dignity and growth. For more information on Paul's Place, visit www.paulsplaceoutreach.org.