START YOUR CULINARY CAREER
The Prep Table
Culinary Pre-Employment Training
PROGRAM DATES
July 2027
REGISTRATION OPENS
May 2027
LOCATION
South King County
PREP COOK: $26.60/hr + BENEFITS
$1,500 TRAINING STIPEND
Paid training. Real experience. Real opportunity.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Prep Table prepares you for an entry-level role as a Prep Cook through hands-on training and direct employer connection with our employer partners.
How the Program Works
This program is intended for persons who are currently unemployed or not working.
1. Apply with the Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program.
2. Your application is reviewed by our team and you will attend a screening interview with the Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program.
3. If you pass the interview, you join our two-week Prep Table training program. This means you are training for a real job with our employer partners.
Your Job Opportunity
This program is timed to end for the hiring seasons at Lumen Field, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle University, and the Seattle Convention Center. With this training you will be eligible for Prep Cook starting at an average of $26/hr plus benefits. Imagine helping prepare meals for thousands of fans at Seahawk games, Sounder matches, Kraken games, Storm games, Reign matches, concerts, and other major events. If that sounds exciting, this training is for you.
Paid Training
This is a paid training opportunity. Participants who complete the program will be paid $1,500. Note that the stipend is provided at the last Job Club meeting, roughly 3-4 weeks after the program end.
Please note: These roles are physically demanding. They require standing up to eight hours a day, fine motor skills like precision knife work, and gross motor skills such as lifting 30-pound boxes. If this sounds like a challenge you're ready for, we'd love to see your application.
Once enrollment begins, a staff member will be in touch. Watch your email — and check your junk folder — so you don't miss application announcements.
2026 Graduate, Archie, on the job at the July 1 World Cup Game.
2026 Graduate, Tiffani, on the job at the July 1 World Cup Game.
Watch our Program Video
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What you'll learn & do
Interested in preparing food for guests at Seattle's major sports and entertainment venues, including Seahawks, Sounders, Kraken, Storm, and Reign games, as well as concerts and special events? This training is a great way to build the skills employers are looking for.
Participants gain entry-level skills and abilities needed to be successful as an entry-level culinary worker at a union property.
Workplace Skills
Working in a busy kitchen takes more than cooking skills. You will also learn:
How to work as a team under pressure.
How to communicate in a loud, fast-paced kitchen.
How to stay calm when things get stressful.
How to keep up with the fast pace of restaurant work.
Physical Requirements
Prep Cook work involves standing, lifting, and moving for long periods. We explain this during your interview, so you know what to expect. During training, we teach you safe ways to lift and move to prevent injuries. You also receive nonslip shoes for safety.
Getting Ready for Your Job
This is a job training program. During the training, you will work on prepping for job applications. After the training is over you will attend 3-4 weeks of mandatory Job Club sessions.
We help you prepare everything you need:
I-9 documents (proof you can work in the U.S.)
Resume.
References.
Contact information.
Interview skills.
You will obtain your Washington State food worker card.
Knife skills and food prep techniques.
Recipe execution and kitchen production.
Food safety and sanitation standards.
Fast-paced kitchen teamwork.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:
Follow professional recipes.
Prep and portion ingredients.
Maintain food safety standards.
Work with a professional culinary team.
WHAT YOU’LL DO ON THE JOB:
UNITE HERE! Local 8
Hard-won benefits for every worker
Living Wages
Job Security
A Voice on the Job
Respect in the Workplace
Affordable Family Health Insurance
Over the years, UNITE HERE! Local 8 has fought hard for —
and won — protections that make these jobs worth having.
"The Training Program's mission is to provide just-in-time training for incumbent and prospective employees to meet the needs of our employer partners."
