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Chicago Hospitality Job Training Program

Free and paid workforce development program to start a steady career in the hospitality industry.

Opportunities To Earn A Career You Deserve

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Unemployed? Underemployed? No high school diploma or GED? No matter your background or circumstances, we’re here to help you build the skills you need to land a career you can be proud of.

Everyone deserves an opportunity to earn a living wage, and our free and paid job training program gives Chicago and Cook County residents the resources and support to do just that.

Hospitality Job Training Program In Chicago and Cook County

Virtual and hands-on training.

Walk away with the confidence to provide great customer service and handle food safely through our hospitality program.

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  • Introduction to the Hospitality Industry training, including food handling and customer services career paths
  • Kitchen safety and sanitation training
  • Specialized, professional certifications to start your career including ServSafe® Food Handler and ManageFirst Customer Service Certifications
  • Knife skills training
  • Barista training
  • Life skills and career counseling
  • Professional development and job placement assistance
  • Transportation and wellness assistance
  • 4-week paid training + completion bonus
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Flor Lowe
Flor Lowe
job training graduate and meal production assistant

“I’m very happy to have this job. The Food Depository saved my life and gave me hope.”

While recovering from a major surgery, Flor found herself at a crossroads with limited professional experience. Unsure of what to do next, she applied for the Greater Chicago Food Depository's hospitality training.

After completing the course, Flor now works in our prepared meals kitchen cutting vegetables, measuring ingredients and putting together meals that are distributed in the community. She's grateful for how the position and the hospitality job training program helped her regain her independence.

Flor Lowe
job training graduate and meal production assistant

Chicago’s Community Kitchen

Creating Generations Of Culinary and Hospitality Professionals – Since 1998

Our job training programs began in 1998 with Chicago’s Community Kitchen, a 14-week training and internship program helping participants develop skills for lasting careers in the culinary field.

90% of our graduates went on to earn employment in corporate cafeterias, hospitals, hotels, catering companies and restaurants. Over the years, our workforce development program has evolved to provide skilled training in competitive and in-demand fields.

Contact us to learn more about our current trainings listed above.

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Additional Job Training Programs Offered by Our Partners

Looking for training for a different career? We work with partners across Cook County who offer a wide variety of job training programs.

Learn about other programs

Our Restaurant and Hospitality Supporters

Employment partners, guest presenters, and chefs all contribute to the success of our students by providing the expertise, resources, and funds our programs need to thrive.
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Get Support With Starting Your Career

We’re here to guide you towards a path of success.

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