Apprenticeship Program

Farming Hope offers a 12-week, part-time, paid transitional employment apprenticeship for individuals experiencing barriers to employment, including those who are formerly incarcerated, unhoused, or in recovery. The program provides structured, hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen environment designed to support participants in building workplace skills, confidence, and pathways toward long-term employment opportunities.

Apprentices contribute directly to daily kitchen operations that support community meals and food access efforts, while gaining experience that prepares them for consistent, long-term work in the food service industry and other employment pathways.

Role Overview

Part-time, paid hourly position (12-week program)
3–4 shifts per week (under 30 hours weekly)
Three cohorts offered per year

Responsibilities include:

Preparing, cooking, and portioning high-volume meals (approximately 600–1,000 meals daily), including following recipes, measuring ingredients, and assembling components for service
Supporting daily kitchen prep work, including preparing ingredients, plating, and packaging
Staffing in-house family dinners on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as special events, including setting up stations, plating and service support
Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout all areas of the kitchen, including dishwashing, sanitizing, and proper food storage practices
Working collaboratively with a kitchen team in a structured, fast-paced commercial kitchen environment, communicating effectively to support smooth daily operations

Requirements

Must have an actively engaged case manager (e.g., housing navigator, social worker, employment specialist, employment counselor, etc.)
Must have flexible availability for the full 12-week program, including required Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Must demonstrate reliability, teamwork, willingness to learn, and openness to feedback
Must provide valid authorization to work in the United States

Application & Interview Process

Case managers are encouraged to attend Case Manager Orientation
Candidates and/or case managers are welcome to attend an Open House
Applications must be submitted with case manager support (resume and cover letter required)
If selected, the interview must include the candidate’s case manager (in person or virtual)

Ready to get started?

Sign up to receive future cohort announcements
Our next application cycle will open in Fall 2026.

Thank you for your interest in our apprenticeship program! Still have questions? Please email program@farminghope.org

Employment Partners

The restaurants and food companies below have employed our apprenticeship graduates at their businesses, helping to create equitable workplaces in the food industry and beyond.