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

 
Emma's Torch student, Nagela
 
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.
— Nagela from Haiti, Graduate August 2018 hired by Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant
 

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 the Emma’s Torch restaurant/café.

Part 2

  • 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


Graduation

  • Cook from the heart, and feature a recipe on the Emma’s Torch menu

  • Work our Job Placement

  • 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

 
Emma's Torch student, Thu
 
I love the atmosphere because we’re like family. I get to learn from other students from all over the world.
— Thu from Vietnam, Graduate July 2018 starting a catering company

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.

 

Interested in joining our program?