YW Culinary
YW Culinary is a free, 8-week culinary training program designed for individuals ready to launch a sustainable career in the food service industry. The program includes 8 weeks of intensive, hands-on culinary instruction followed by 4 weeks of externships and professional development. No high school diploma or GED is required—only a willingness to learn and grow.
By joining YW Culinary, students become part of a supportive learning community where teamwork, encouragement, and shared growth are central to the experience. Students also play a vital role in YWCA’s hunger relief efforts, preparing nutritious dinner meals for residents at Mary Lou’s Place, YWCA’s emergency domestic violence shelter, gaining real-world experience while directly supporting fellow community members.
YW Culinary Students Will:
Build strong culinary and food service skills through hands-on training
Receive paid stipends at key points in the program and again after securing employment
Prepare dinner meals for Mary Lou’s Place, contributing to community nourishment and care
Strengthen key employment skills such as communication, interview practice, and resume development
Receive individualized support from instructors and staff to help master technical skills and achieve career goals
Earn ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Allergen certifications
Access YWCA financial education resources, including Basic Money Management workshops and financial coaching
Explore entrepreneurial possibilities in the culinary field and begin envisioning how your skills could support your own business one day.
Participate in a program rooted in community building, dignity, safety, and trust where students uplift one another and build meaningful connections
4-Week Job Placement and Externship Support:
Students who are prepared to go straight into employment will receive individualized job placement support, including:
Identifying job opportunities that align with their career goals and strengths
Support with applications, interview preparation, and workplace readiness
Assistance in securing employment with partner employers or other industry opportunities
Ongoing job retention support to help students navigate challenges and stay successful in their new roles
Continued checkins and coaching to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce
Students who want to build additional experience before seeking employment are placed in a 4week externship with an employer partner, where they can:
Work directly with culinary professionals in a food service setting aligned with their career goals
Apply the culinary and food service skills learned during training in a new or larger kitchen environment, gaining exposure to different workflows and expectations
Build confidence and independence while working alongside industry professionals
Make valuable industry connections that can support future job opportunities
Internship Schedule
August 3 - August 28
Class Schedule
Mondays: 10 am – 12 pm
Tuesdays–Fridays: 10 am – 4 pm
Join our upcoming in-person information sessions!
Questions? You can always email Juan Fuentes, Workforce Development Manager, at jfuentes@ywca-ens.org
-
Curriculum Snapshot
In this program you will learn:
Culinary Skills
Develop knife skills and cooking techniques.
Prepare recipes and menus.
Connect and cook alongside classmates
Earn your ServSafe Food Handler’s Certification.
Employability/Soft Skills
Career Development – Create an individualized career development plan while enhancing your skills in communication, interviewing and networking.
Industry Knowledge – Gain industry knowledge by connecting with local employers, industry experts and business owners.
Empowerment – Learn about workers’ rights, wage negotiation and tools you can use to feel empowered while reaching your employment goals.
“Even though we are not in a traditional setting, being in the class keeps me hopeful. Because I still feel like I’m working on my future.” – YW Culinary participant
-
YW Culinary is available to traditionally underrepresented or vulnerable populations, such as women of color, survivors of domestic violence, and low-wage workers.
The training is welcoming to those without a high school diploma or GED and individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are interested in a sustainable career in the food service industry.
YW Culinary will prioritize the following candidates for enrollment:
those who are interested in a food service career
Chicagoland area residents
those who have not completed a bachelor’s degree
those who have received a referral through a partner agency
All students must be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 and show proof of vaccination.
-
There are a variety of ways to partner with us virtually:
Hire YW Culinary graduates
Share your expertise as a Guest Chef
Participate on employer panel discussions
Participate in mock interviews
Give a virtual tour of your commercial kitchen
Are you an employer looking for qualified culinary staff? Partner with us to connect with candidates with a ServSafe Food Handler certificate who are professional and have a proven commitment to working in the food service industry.
Previous YW Culinary partners include:
Mather
District 65
District 202
Whole Foods
General Mills
Ace Hotel – Chicago
Yo Fresh Yogurt
Whole & Free Foods, LLC – Every Body Eat
Main-Dempster Mile
Contact Kristin Drake for more information.
-
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of food service managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. With an increase in competition for workers, food service wages have climbed between 6% and 10% for many restaurants.
Employees in the food service industry can work in a variety of settings from large industrial kitchens to small bakeries. This field provides flexible hours to accommodate child and family care. There’s no shortage of restaurants, you can move anywhere and find work!
-
Most entry level food service workers start as cooks. However, there are many possibilities for advancement, both in a restaurant and in the food service industry. These include:
Food service manager/shift lead: median yearly salary $50,000
Chef: median yearly salary $56,000
Restaurant general manager: median yearly salary $59,000
Hospitality manager: median yearly salary $63,000
Click here to read more about possibilities in food service!
-
YW Culinary aligns with the mission of YWCA by empowering students to achieve their career goals. Additionally, just as racism is prevalent is all aspects of society, it also impacts the food industry. Over 75% of restaurant managers are white. YW Culinary supports BIPOC students by giving them the resources and training they need to advance in the food industry.
-
YWCA’s culinary training program is your solution. Partner with us to connect with candidates with a ServSafe Food Handler certificate who are professional and have a proven commitment to working in the food service industry.
Contact Juan Fuentes for more information.
“YW Culinary has been the best thing that has happened to me.”