YMCA Job Board

Program Overview

This 12-week PAID Culinary program is designed for aspiring culinary professionals aged 17-25. Participants will receive hands-on culinary training, guided by an experienced Red Seal chef, while developing essential kitchen skills, earning industry standard certifications, and enhancing their job readiness skills. You will also get the opportunity to work in our community gardens and with our bees to teach the importance of food security and production. The program also emphasizes cultivating leadership and changemaker qualities to prepare participants for a meaningful career in the culinary industry, including pathways to roles in restaurants, catering, or hospitality. 

Responsibilities

Culinary Sector Training

• Actively participate in culinary training sessions, including food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety and hygiene.
• Collaborate with peers and the instructor to execute recipes and complete kitchen projects.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Adhere to food safety regulations and program guidelines.
• Partake in unique learning experiences: culinary catering / pop up events, food markets, foraging, sourdough workshops, work with uniquely specialized guest chefs, partake in field trips to local restaurants, experiment with cooking techniques such as cooking over the fire, and more.

Job Readiness Training

• Engage in job readiness workshops, including resume and cover letter building, interview preparation, and workplace communication.
• Develop leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills as part of changemaker development.
• Certifications such as Fall Protection, PPE, CPR / First Aid, Psychological First Aid, WHMIS, and more.
• 1:1 goal settings and career support.

Requirements

• Enthusiasm for hands-on work and a team-oriented mindset.
• Aged 17-30, eager to learn and grow in the culinary trade.
• Ability to commit to the 12-week program full time.
• Cannot have been enrolled in school for 6 months prior to application (college / university).
• Must be ready to make a career shift, be unemployed, or be working part-time.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• No prior experience required—just a willingness to learn!
  

Take the first step toward building your career! Apply at the link below and become part of this transformative program.

For more information, contact Jacqueline at jacqueline@elephantthoughts.com.

By Email: jacqueline@elephantthoughts.com