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    Training Resources of America Inc.
    • 2 Foster Street, 3rd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608
    • 508-753-2991
    • Vocational Skills Training
    TRA-YouthBuild Worcester- Culinary Skills Track
    Program activities:

    The TRA-Worcester YouthBuild Program – Culinary Skills Track is designed to provide low-income, out-of-school youth, aged 16-24 with an opportunity to transform their lives and become contributing partners in the community. Participants receive on-the-job, hands-on, culinary skills training utilizing hands on training and in the field internships with local restaurants.  Additionally, participants receive Serve Safe Certification, Serve Safe Manager Certification, Food Handler Certification, Allergen Certification, Choke Safety Certification and National College Credit Recommendation Services- Culinary Arts Cook Certification. Participants also receive High School Equivalency Test (HiSET/GED) preparation; educational/vocational skills; leadership skills development- including community service projects; counseling and support services; life, financial literacy, and job readiness training, as well as assistance with job placement and/or transition to higher education opportunities. Transition to Higher Education/Vocational opportunities include College classes/degree or certificate programs, and or local restaurants.

    Program is offered in: English
    Participant demographics:

    Low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24 residing in the Greater Worc. area who wish to earn their high school equivalency diploma while attaining work and culinary vocational skills.

    Anticipated number of SNAP participants per year: 14
    Total hours: 36
    Information About Program Hours: The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with a one hour lunch break between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Students are will alternate days between culinary skills training and in the classroom learning.
    Program duration: 36 weeks
    Rolling Admission: No
    Number of cycles: 1
    Program start dates: September/October 2024
    Sample schedule:
    HoursActivity TypeMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    9 AM - 3 PMEducation/HiSET/GED Prep (Classroom)✓✓✓✓✓
    9 AM - 3 PMJob Readiness Prep (Classroom)✓✓✓
    9 AM - 3 PMLife/Leadership/Financial Lit., etc. (Classroom)✓✓
    9 AM - 3 PMHands-on Culinary Skills training ✓✓✓✓✓
    Other Schedule Information: The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with a one hour lunch break between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Students are will alternate days between culinary skills training and in the classroom learning.
    Is the program offered remotely? No
    Is public transportation available? Yes

    Location information:

    2 Foster Street 3rd Floor Worcester, MA 01608Public bus transportation
    Additional information about location:

    TRA-Worcester YouthBuild Program is located at 2 Foster Street, 3rd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608. The site is fully accessible via public transportation.

    Other requirements: Must be able to physically handle work required in the culinary field.
    Program is CORI friendly? Yes
    Anticipated outcomes: GED/HiSET Certification, Serve Safe Certification, Serve Safe Manager Certification, Food Handler Certification, Allergen Certification, Choke Safety Certification and National College Credit Recommendation Services- Culinary Arts Cook Certification.
    Other outcomes: Stackable Credential(s), Employment/Promotion, Basic skills gain

    Participant Supports:

    Participant Support CategoryAll participantsAs needed
    Test/License fees✓
    Books/Supplies✓
    Clothing/Uniforms ✓
    Counseling/Case Management ✓
    Child Care✓
    Transportation✓
    Are there any out of pocket expenses for the participant? No
    Do participants receive any pay? Stipend

    Contact Information

    Program Liaison: Doug Daigle
    Telephone: 508-753-2991
    Email: ddaigle@tra-inc.org
    Program code: TRA-VT-CUL-W
    ABAWD Qualifying? No