The Prep Table:

A culinary Pre-Employment Training for prospective workers

The Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program is currently taking interest applications from persons interested in starting a culinary career with a union hospitality employer.

The Prep Table is a pre-employment training meant for those who are currently unemployed and interested in working in a commercial kitchen in an entry level role with a unionized employer. 

This is a pilot training program developed in partnership with UNITE HERE! Local 8, the hospitality union, and unionized employers in Seattle.

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.

Culinary positions at partner employers start at $25 an hour on average. Benefits include health, prescription, vision, dental, pension, disability, and member assistance. Eligibility depends on employer and hours worked.

The Prep Table Culinary Training is intended for those looking to start working as in a commercial kitchen in an entry-level role. The training includes more than culinary skills. The training will also cover recipe scaling and conversions, internal customer service, and job search assistance, including informational interviews.

Goals of Training

·       Prospective workers will have gained entry-level skills and abilities needed to be successful as an entry-level culinary worker at a union property.

·       Participants will be prepared to work collaboratively with all members of the back of house team using communication skills, being flexible and adaptable, and staying positive under stress.

·       Participants will have a resume tailored for culinary roles, participate in interviewing skills workshops, complete applications with Local 8 partner employers, and participate in interviews with employers.

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

The program is currently scheduled to run from July 28 to August 8.

Participants should plan to arrive at 8:30 am. The program will run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The program will take place at various locations in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle.

This page will be updated as the schedule is determined. Interested persons should complete the interest form and will be contacted regarding next steps for enrollment in June.