First Course NYC is a 14-week collaborative job training program to help meet industry demand for qualified entry-level restaurant cooks.
First Course NYC saves participating restaurants valuable time and resources by:
Recruiting, screening, and preparing trainees for entry into your workplace
Delivering a rigorous, industry-informed culinary skills and job preparedness training followed by paid, on-the-job training in partnering restaurant kitchens (including partial reimbursement of hourly training wages paid)
Providing direct support to your apprentice(s) and kitchen supervisory team to encourage optimal outcomes
How It Works
Apprentices complete eight weeks (280 hours) of rigorous hands-on culinary skills and job preparedness training led by culinary and restaurant professionals
Apprentices are hired by program restaurant partners to complete six additional weeks (210 hours) of paid training on-the-job in their kitchens (minimum training wage is $16/hour, with 50% reimbursed at completion of training)
Upon successful completion of the full 14-week program, apprentices who have proven their ongoing commitment are moved into full-time positions as entry-level cooks in their host kitchens
performance feedback using program online reporting tools
Intend to retain apprentice(s) in a full-time, entry-level cook position(s) at successful completion of training
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trainings are scheduled, and how many students participate in each cohort? There are 4 cohorts scheduled through 2023, with 24-28 students in each cohort.
Where do you recruit candidates for this program? We market this program to potential candidates throughout the city using social media, local community partners, industry organizations, and the city’s Workforce1 Career Center system to name a few.
Can I participate as a program partner providing on-the-job training without committing to hiring my apprentice at completion? Due to the industry labor shortage, this program works with businesses that have an ongoing need for qualified talent; participating businesses must commit to the goal of moving their apprentice(s) into full-time cook positions upon successful completion of training.
Who is delivering the Fundamentals training and what curriculum do they use? The training is delivered by restaurant industry professionals using a curriculum developed in collaboration with NYC restaurant chefs and owners.
Is this program open to restaurants citywide? Yes, any NYC restaurant can become a future program employer partner if it meets the participation criteria. As the program expands, additional qualified restaurants that express interest will be assessed as new partners.
For additional program details or to schedule a virtual program presentation, complete this form.
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