Culinary Workforce Training Program Comes to Life

The first 15-week session of the No More Empty Pots Culinary Workforce Training Program (CWTP) began on August 21^st.  Meet NaTeeka, Darianna and Jean, our first class of participants. These young ladies are excited about the program because it is a stepping stone in being able to have the skills to start their own food businesses. Learning professional culinary skills will help them become self-sufficient and find better jobs to support themselves and their families.

A Day in the Life of a Culinary Workforce Training Program Participant

Knowing how important it is to be alert in the kitchen, first thing each morning, the program starts off with a “move-it” exercise. The participants do an ice-breaker or brain game to get energized for the day. Next, they practice mindfulness. Many stressful situations can occur when cooking or completing a service. Mindfulness helps to keep them calm and learn how to deal with unpleasant experiences. After an hour or so of lecture, the participants are in the kitchen for the rest of the day learning culinary skills and best practices.

All About the Food

The course curriculum starts with eight weeks of culinary training. Over these eight weeks, the participants will learn:

• Food Safety
• Knife Skills
• Basic Nutrition
• Egg Cookery
• Meat Butchery/Cookery
• Pasta Making/Cookery
• Seafood & Fish Butchery/Cookery
• Basic Baking Skills

Each day, the participants prepare a chef’s table lunch. The meal service utilizes the skills they have learned throughout the course. Staff and community members join the participants for lunch. It’s a great time to get to know the participants, discuss what they’ve learned and provide feedback so they can continue to grow. Although there is still much to do, the participants come ready to work as a team and master a new skill each day.

Join Us for Lunch

There are four weeks remaining in the culinary skills portion of the program. We’d like to invite you to join us for lunch Monday through Friday at the No More Empty Pots Food Hub, located at 8501 N 30th St in Florence. Space is LIMITED. To reserve your spot, please email marketing@www.nmepomaha.org. Please make reservations at least 24 hours in advance to ensure we have open seats.