Part of the Community Kitchen, the Food Service Training Academy (FSTA) is a culinary job-training program which provides graduates with marketable skills. More than 80% are employed within six months of graduation.
In 13 years, the FSTA has graduated more than 700 students. In January, 2011, we welcomed back more than 100 students for our first annual Alumni Reception. View photos from the event.
As part of its mission to provide FOOD, HELP, and HOPE, CFBNJ’s Community Kitchen opens the Food Service Training Academy to individuals in need of a fresh start.
The FSTA has two primary goals:
- To train these individuals in the culinary arts and food safety.
- To prepare these individuals for sustainable employment in the food service industry by providing them with life skills, job readiness training, and job placement assistance.
Interested applicants may download the FSTA brochure to learn more.
About the Program
With a 14 week curriculum, the Food Service Training Academy provides an intensive education in culinary arts, baking, and food service for qualified applicants who are looking for a career in the food service field. In addition to comprehensive hands-on training in our state-of-the-art kitchen, students also receive certification in the Serv-Safe Food Sanitation Managers Course from the National Restaurant Association. Our chef instructors have trained at many of the top culinary schools in the country and actively supervise students while they prepare meals for CFBNJ programs that support our hunger relief efforts throughout the state, as well as on and off-premises catering. The training program is recognized by the American Culinary Federation and the Black Culinarian Alliance.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Paul Kapner, C.E.C., a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, students learn cooking skills, menu planning, nutrition, and safe food handling. In addition, they receive counseling in life skills to help them meet workplace expectations.
As part of training, the Academy’s chefs arrange tours of renowned kitchen facilities. We invite chefs and restaurant managers to our program to talk to our students and to work along side them in our kitchen.
“We teach our students to meet or exceed industry standards,” states Chef Kapner. Because of the growing reputation of the FSTA and the fact that everyone receives a well-rounded and thorough training at each kitchen station, the Academy has an above average placement rate with in the service industry, where there is high demand for qualified personnel.
Want to join the ranks of the Food Service Training Academy?
Please contact Rosemarie Murray, Community Kitchen Recruiter, for further information by calling 908-355-3663, ext. 240., or e-mailing Rmurray@cfbnj.org.
Interested in hiring one of our qualified graduates?
Employers interested in qualified, ServSafe Certified kitchen help should call 908-355-3663 ext. 288 and speak to Wilma Armstrong our Culinary Employment Specialist. Internships are also available.