In a heartwarming and emotional ceremony, Kitchens for Good graduated its inaugural class of Project Launch, a 13-week culinary jobs program. The San Diego Workforce Partnership funded the cohort through its Customized Training program. Customized Training is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer (including a group of employers) and is conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ, or in the case of current workers, continue to employ, an individual upon successful completion of training, and for which the employer pays a significant share of the cost of training.
Kitchens for Good’s culinary job training program prepares individuals for careers in the rapidly growing food and hospitality industries. The organization serves special populations that are difficult to employ and have barriers to employment, including the formerly incarcerated and foster youth. With hospitality ranking as the second largest traded economy in the region, there is a tremendous need for trained individuals to fill these skilled kitchen positions.
The first cohort has been a success. All 10 participants are currently working and making an average of $13.50 per hour, including tips.
For some of the participants, the program was more than training for a job. Participant and graduation speaker Greg Martin said, “If it wasn’t for this program, I can guarantee that I would be one of two things, dead or in jail.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Read this article from The San Diego Union-Tribune for more information on the program and the ceremony.