Training Program
Emma’s Torch offers a 11-week, paid apprenticeship program with up to 440 hours of culinary training as well as employability, equity, and empowerment training.
Our curriculum has two complementary components:
On-the-job culinary instruction, designed in consultation with our Culinary Council
Employability, equity, and empowerment training and workshops to ensure long-term success, independence, and adjustment to the American workplace
“Every time Chef holds my shoulder and says: ‘You can do anything!’ I get chills all over my body and think wow. Now, I believe it.”
TRAINING PROGRAM OUTLINE
Part 1
Introduction to the professional American kitchen, basic knife skills, communication skills, and key culinary techniques
Practice a high standard of sanitation and safety in the kitchen
Follow recipes and prep food for Emma’s Torch cafés or catering
Part 2
Brooklyn and Washington, DC
Develop a versatile skill set in one of our cafes, sampling Back of House and Front of House
Work every station, including saute, fry, garde manger, and barista
Inwood, Manhattan
Develop a versatile skill set in our catering business
Prepare dishes on a large scale and learn bulk production
Graduation
Cook from the heart, and feature a recipe on the Emma’s Torch menu
Secure a job and develop a career plan in the F&B industry
Throughout the Program
Weekly English classes focused on culinary vocabulary and interview preparation
Job readiness workshops, mock interviews, and mock trails with leading restaurants
Regular evaluations to track progress and prepare for a long-term career
“I love the atmosphere because we’re like family. I get to learn from other students from all over the world.”
Compensation
Our program is free. Students are paid full time minimum wage. This allows more students to take advantage of the opportunity and cover some expenses while they participate.
We also offer a professional chef’s knife and a full uniform, free of cost, to every student.
