Culinary Training
Culinary Training Program
The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time sustainable career in the food industry.
What you’ll get:
- Hands-on kitchen training with experienced chefs
- Life skills coaching: budgeting, time management, job readiness
- A Culinary Diploma, chef coat with your name, and a professional knife set
- Help finding a job after graduation
- Graduates receive one year of support from our team
Cost: Free to qualified applicants
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Requirements
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria listed below.
To qualify for the program, you must be:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must reside in Orange, Osceola, or parts of Seminole county
- Have experienced financial instability (unemployment, low wage, government assistance, etc.) in the last 12 months
- No criminal history involving arson, sexual battery, or violent crimes (other charges reviewed case-by-case)
- Able to attend all 16 weeks in person
- Committed to getting a full-time job in food service after graduation
Step 2: Learn More
Before you apply, we strongly recommend reading the Culinary Training FAQ below and the student handbook.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form to be considered for the program.
Upcoming Sessions
- Sept. 15, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026
- Apply by Sept. 8
- Dec. 1, 2025 – April 3, 2026
- Apply by Nov. 24
** Start dates are subject to change. **
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location
411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32805
Additional Notes
- 34.87% of program funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor
- Designed to complement two- or four-year culinary programs
Culinary Training FAQ
Program Basics
What is the Culinary Training Program?
The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time sustainable career in the food industry.
What does the Culinary Training Program do?
It's a hands-on continuing education program where we teach people the Life Skills and Kitchen Skills needed to work in a professional kitchen. The program is made to help people gain skills for an entry-level (Prep Cook) position.
Is the program full-time?
Yes. Classes are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 2:00pm for 16 weeks.
How do I enroll?
Requirements
How old do I need to be?
At least 18 years old.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED?
Yes, this is a requirement to apply. This requirement follows along with what our employer partners require.
Do I need a car?
Not necessarily, but you must have reliable transportation to and from class.
Do I need to speak English?
Yes. The program is taught in English, and you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand it well enough to follow recipes and complete assignments.
What if I have a criminal background?
We review backgrounds case by case. However, you cannot apply if you’ve been convicted of arson, sexual battery, violent crimes, or crimes involving children.
Will I need to take a drug test?
Only if there’s reason to believe a student is under the influence. This matches what most employers require.
Physical and Attendance Expectations
Are there physical requirements?
Yes. You must be able to:
- Stand for long hours
- Bend, lift up to 50 lbs, use stairs
- Work in hot and cold environments
Is full-availability a requirement of the program?
Yes. While the program is Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 2:00pm for 16 weeks, employers are requiring full-availability (days, nights, weekends, holidays, etc.)
Graduation, Cost and Jobs
How much does the program cost?
The program is free to anyone meeting program requirements. The program is made possible through grant funding and donations.
Will I get paid to come to school?
No, this is not a paid opportunity.
What do I get when I graduate?
You’ll receive:
- A Culinary Training Diploma
- A chef coat with your name
- A professional knife set
To officially graduate, you must also get a full-time culinary job at a restaurant, hotel, or theme park.
Starting your own business does not meet this requirement.
Can you guarantee I will get a job when I finish the program?
While the Culinary Program staff work hard to connect with quality employers in the area, we cannot guarantee you will get a job. Program staff create opportunities for students to engage with employers and then, using the skills taught in the program, students can apply for jobs, go through the interview process, and ultimately get themselves the job.
What do jobs in the Culinary field look like?
This program gets you ready for a prep cook job, that’s where most people start in a kitchen. Over time, you can move up by learning and getting more experience. We work with good employers who want to help people grow.
Most kitchen jobs need you to be available any time, that means days, nights, weekends, and holidays. If you can’t work those hours right now, this may not be the right job field for you yet.
Culinary Training Program
Watch the video below to see how the Culinary Training Program is fighting hunger and feeding hope. Plus, you'll see firsthand what the students experience in the classroom and hear how the program changes lives.
Stories of Hope
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Meet the neighbors, partners and volunteers who bring our mission to life. These stories highlight how your support helps fight hunger, fuel futures and strengthen communities
— one meal at a time.