Culinary Arts Training Program

According to the DC Department of Employment Statistics, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are among the top 40 occupations in demand in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.  Accordingly, in 1991 Community Family Life Services developed a Culinary Arts Training Program to provide on-the-job training, practical experience and food service classroom instruction at CFLS' nonprofit 3rd & Eats Restaurant. 

The Culinary Arts curriculum encompasses a wide variety of skills and topics that allow for a smooth transition into full-time employment upon graduation.  It includes hands-on experience working in 3rd & Eats Restaurant preparing food and greeting customers.  Trainees are also exposed to the world of catering with New Course Catering. 

The Culinary Arts Program prepares individuals to gain and retain positions in the culinary arts at an average wage of $10 to $13 per hour.  Under the supervision of the restaurant's Executive Chef/Culinary Instructor and its Manager, a class of 15 trainees enters the 18-week training program every two months.  Trainees are simultaneously enrolled in the National Restaurant Association's Sanitation course, and upon successful completion they receive their "Basic Food Supervisor's License" from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

To find out how to enroll in the Culinary Arts Training Program, please click here.