Workforce Development
Culinary Workforce Training Program in Lynnwood
Start Your Journey to Employment
Looking for a fresh start? Our Culinary Workforce Training Program can help you build job skills and prepare for work in the food service industry. Through hands-on kitchen training, workplace learning, and one-on-one support, you'll gain the tools needed to move toward stable employment.
Along the way, you'll learn teamwork, communication, and time management skills, earn your Food Handler Permit, and receive help with resumes, interviews, and job searches. We're here to support you as you take the next step toward your goals.
Culinary Workforce Training Program
Duration: 10 Weeks
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
Location: Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (19509 64th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036)
Class Size: 6 students
What You'll Gain
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A Foundation for Your Future
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Learn culinary skills through hands-on training and prepare for a career in the food service industry.
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Increased Confidence
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Develop teamwork, communication, and time management skills that can help you succeed on the job.
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Employment Preparation
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Get help writing a resume, practicing interviews, and connecting with local employers.
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Food Handler Permit
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At the end of the curriculum, we will cover the charge!
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Ongoing Support
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Our help doesn't stop when the program ends. We provide participants with support to sustain their careers.
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Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the program, applicants must:
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Be 18 years or older
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Currently unemployed or low-income
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Eligible to work in the United States
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Able to attend training Monday–Friday, from 8am – 3:30pm
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Have basic English proficiency
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Be able to lift up to 45 lbs
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Be able to stand for prolonged periods of time
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Drug free environment
Required Documents
Applicants may be asked to provide:
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Government-issued ID
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Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
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Work authorization documents (if applicable)
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Income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters, Medicaid or other benefit documentation if requested)
Note: Requirements may vary depending on partner agency, funding source or referral program. Additional screening or intake interviews may be requires prior to enrollment.
Your Commitment to Success
This program is designed to help you reach your goals. To be successful, we ask that you:
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Show up each day ready to learn.
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Attend training regularly and arrive on time.
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Participate in workshops, activities, and hands-on kitchen training.
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Stay committed to completing the full 10-week program.
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Respect your instructors, classmates, and learning environment.
Culinary Workforce Training Schedule
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
WEEK 10
Kitchen Foundation
Safety, sanitation, OSHA & produce knowledge
Mindset, Goals & Self-Confidence
Teamwork, managing emotions at work, being coachable, and setting short and long-term goals
Knife Skills
Cuts, techniques, safety, and practical skills
Communication Skills Part 1
Leadership styles, barriers to understanding, active listening, verbal and non-verbal communication
Cold Side
Salads, dressings, garde manager and mystery box
Communication Skills Part 2
Building and maintaining trust, giving and receiving feedback, cycle of commitment and professionally written communication
Vegetable Deep Dive
Butchery, cooking methods, and stock production
Personal Finances Part 1
Income vs expenses, budgeting basics, and banking fundamentals
Cooking Techniques
Blanching, sauté, braising, stewing, grilling, and smoking
Personal Finances Part 2
Credit scores, emergency savings, and scam/fraud awareness
Mother Sauces
Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Tomato Sauce, and Hollandaise
Conflict Resolution Part 1
How to resolve conflict in the workplace
Proteins
Meats, poultry and charcuterie
Conflict Resolution Part 2
Knowing when and how to escalate
Baking 101
Fundamentals, ratios, and final exam prep
De-Escalation & Customer Service
Understanding needs behind conflict, staying grounded under pressure, and exceptional service standards
Seafood & Spices Deep Dive
De-Escalation in Practice & Professional Behavior
How to stay professional when someone is upset, handle guest complaints, and work well with your team
Final Exam
Resume, Interview Prep & AI Tools
Resume structure, handling employment gaps, ATS basics, tailoring a resume using AI, and the STAR method
Meet the Team
Head Chef: Jeremiah
As the Culinary Training Manager, I prepare participants for future employment by building the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in a variety of culinary settings. I develop the curriculum, which includes classroom activities, hands-on practicals, written and verbal knowledge assessments, and team engagement. Together, we work toward the shared goal of putting participants in the best position to thrive as culinary professionals. The cohorts I lead also gain hands-on experience preparing meals and learn how to conduct themselves professionally so they can build long-term, successful careers in the culinary industry.
I am also the contact for business partnerships or direct catering.
Administration: Bianca
As an Employment Support Specialist, I work closely with participants throughout the Culinary Workforce Training Program. I serve as the primary contact for enrollment and employment support, helping with onboarding, connecting participants to community resources, and preparing them for their job search after graduation.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
