The Prep Table: Culinary Pre-Employment Training or

Heart of Hospitality: Room Attendant Training Program

These programs are offered at times of the year that match the seasons when employers usually hire, which generally are in early spring through early summer. The Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program expects to offer the next round of programs in early 2026 so that graduates are ready for jobs when employers are hiring.

If you would like to be on the interest list for these programs, and other hospitality hiring events, please complete this form. Once enrollment begins, one of our staff will be in touch.

Note that it is important to watch your email (and check your junk folder too!) to ensure you do not miss the application announcements.

Entry-level roles for both Room Attendant and Culinary positions start at an average of $25/hr.

Please keep in mind, that both positions are physically demanding. If standing for long periods—often up to eight hours a day—is difficult for you, these careers may present challenges. Both roles require a mix of fine motor skills like dicing vegetables or cleaning with a high attention to detail. They also require gross motor skills for lifting and carrying heavy items like a 30-pound box of fruit or pushing a heavy room attendant cart.

Heart of Hospitality: Room Attendant Training Program Goals of Training

Learn more about the program with our informational video!

·       Prospective workers will have an awareness of the skills and abilities needed to be successful as a Room Attendant at a union property.

·         Participants will develop strong communication skills to work effectively as a member of the hotel cleaning team. Training will focus on maintaining a positive attitude, attention to detail, adaptability, and professionalism—key traits for success in the fast-paced, intense environment of a large hotel.

·       Prospective workers will be prepared to apply for roles at Local 8 hotel properties as Room Attendants.

·       All participants will develop customer service skills.

The Prep Table: Culinary Pre-Employment Training Goals of Training

Learn more about the program with our informational video!

·         Participants gain entry-level skills and abilities needed to be successful as an entry-level culinary worker at a union property.

·         Participants will develop strong communication skills to work effectively with back-of-house team members. Training will focus on maintaining a positive attitude, being flexible and adaptable, and staying composed under pressure—key traits for success in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of a commercial kitchen.

·         Participants will gain skills to edit and tailor their resume culinary roles, participate in interviewing workshops, complete applications with Local 8 partner employers, as well as participate in onsite interviews with employers.

·         All participants will obtain a Washington State food worker card.

Over the years, UNITE HERE! Local 8 has fought hard for and won:

·       Living Wages

·       Job Security

·       A Voice on the Job

·       Respect in the Workplace

·       Affordable Family Health Insurance Paid by the Employer

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.