Teaching skills, changing lives
The growing hospitality industry provides countless career opportunities for those trained and qualified as a kitchen professional. Goodwill’s Culinary Arts Program helps motivated students carve out a career that provides job security in a collaborative, creative environment.
Learn valuable culinary techniques from trained chef-instructors in Goodwill’s professionally equipped kitchen. The 20-week course allows students to learn all aspects of the culinary arts, providing hands-on training with frequent one-on-one instruction.
Program Services:
- Accepts candidates from all walks of life, including those facing a wide variety of obstacles and challenges.
- Classes are bilingual (English and Spanish).
- Interactive approach takes place in a fully equipped, commercial kitchen with two instructors and a maximum of eight students.
- Students gain valuable work experience in catering and events management at the Monterey Bay Events Center, including weddings and corporate events.
- Curriculum includes ServSafe certification from the National Restaurant Association, a mandatory certificate in the food service industry.
- Program provides job preparation and placement services to gain employment upon completion of the course.
Training Topics:
- Hot and Cold Food Production
- Basic Baking
- Soups, Stocks and Sauces
- Meal Planning
- Nutrition
- Plate Presentation
- Recipes, Menus and Quality Control
- Knife Skills
- Tool/Equipment Maintenance and Operation
- Math Skills for Food Service
- Food Cost Control
- Purchasing and Receiving Procedures and Controls
- Buffet Service Techniques and Principles
- Conference Center Preparation and Planning
- Hands-on Experience in Full-Scale Catering
- Job-Seeking Skills and Placement Assistance
Entrance Requirements
Students must interview with the program director and demonstrate an interest in working toward employment in the fast-paced culinary field. Candidates must possess a fifth-grade reading level, show sixth-grade math skills, be able to lift up to 25 pounds, and have the mobility to move freely in a kitchen environment. Students will be required to wear a uniform and approved shoes to class.
To schedule a tour and interview, call (831) 883-5718.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all curriculum assignments, earn a passing grade on required exams, pass the ServSafe food test, and maintain an overall attendance at least 90 percent. Successful graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible for placement assistance.
Program Schedule (Bi-lingual, Spanish/English)
The 20-week course takes place Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., with some evening and weekend attendance required.
Cost
Registration: $100
Tuition: $4,000
Supplies (books, knife kit, chef jackets, cooking supplies): $1,500
Total: $5,600
Financial Assistance
Contact program director Luis Silva for information on how you may qualify for tuition assistance through local community programs and partnerships, such as the Monterey County Workforce Development Board or Department of Rehabilitation. Federal financial aid is not accepted.