Credential(s) Offered
Industry certification, Employment, Measurable Skill Gain Leading to a Credential, Measurable Skill Gain Leading to Employment
Method of Delivery
In Person
When offered
Daytime Hours
Instructional Program (CIP)
Description
The Culinary Arts Program through Food Jobs Work is a 10-week intensive job training program specifically tailored for at-risk adults (those overcoming incarceration, homelessness or risk of homelessness, poverty, addiction and other limitations). It is held at ARKitchen, a shared commercial kitchen space in Little Rock. Students will undergo a week of intense classroom preparation the first week, including a ServSafe Food Handler certification and an introduction to the culinary industry. The next 5 weeks are a combination of classroom and kitchen practical exercises, covering the basics of professional food preparation. The classroom curriculum also includes soft skills to help students overcome the mental barriers that sometimes limit achievement after a personal setback. Students will also have constant evaluation and support for physical and mental health, as well as surrounding needs that are barriers to employment.
The final week of the core program includes a written exam and a practical final cooking exam, judged by area chefs. In the remaining four weeks, students work in our social enterprises, including our popular Comeback Kitchen catering program. Then students are given the ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam and assisted with placement in jobs in the community. NOTE: It is our intention to add an apprenticeship program in 2025, with this program being the pre-apprenticeship training.
Students receive the following as part of completing the program (depending upon passage of exams):
- Opportunities to learn from local chefs and restaurant owners/managers
- A certificate of program completion from Food Jobs Work
- Opportunity to receive credit for 3 hours of credit at UA-PTC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute through PLA
- ServSafe Food Handler and Food Protection Manager certification
- NOCTI microcredentials in food-adjacent areas of choice (farming, warehousing, logistics, etc.)
- Opportunities to work with us in our food production activities
- Assistance with job placement and ongoing support
- Wrap-around social services from Food Jobs Work and partner organizations
- Opportunity and connections to continue to culinary school if desired
Class hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. for the 10 weeks unless otherwise indicated for special events or activities.
Details
Program Length (Weeks)
10
Hours
240
Entrance Requirements
None
School
WIOA Approved Program
Yes
Curriculum Competency Based
customer service, food safety, culinary skills
Training Location(s)
9813 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205
Local WIB
5005 - City of Little Rock
Name of Credential
ServSafe Food Production Manager, ServSafe Food Handler, 5 NOCTI micro-credentials in surrounding food system career areas (warehousing, farming, etc. as driven by interest)
Type of financial aid offered or have access to
Services are at no cost to the participant and any cost beyond WIOA/TANF funding is provided by donors
Refund Policy
If the student has completed the first week of study, no refund will be provided. Full refund can be made if student drops out the first week.
Is the proposed curriculum currently certified by an accrediting agency or similar national standardization program?
Yes - National Restaurant Association
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for women?
No
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for men?
No
Cost Items
Testing/Exam Fees
$400.00 Books, Testing Forms, and Fees for ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Food Protection Manager, and 5 NOCTI micro-credentials in surrounding food system career areas (warehousing, farming, etc. as driven by interest)
In-State Tuition
$2,500.00 Pre-Apprenticeship style 10-week program including holistic instruction of self motivation, personal health, and the skills needed to be a professional cook. Also includes assistance with job placement.
Other Fees
$100.00 Uniform fee
Out-of-State/District Tuition
$2,500.00 Pre-Apprenticeship style 10-week program including holistic instruction of self motivation, personal health, and the skills needed to be a professional cook. Also includes assistance with job placement.
Total In-State Program Cost
$3,000.00
Total Out-of-State Program Cost
$3,000.00
