Job Training

Job Training

Job Training2024-08-23T22:02:15+00:00
community kitchen

On The Job Training

St. Mary’s Food Bank Skills Center

Everyone deserves a chance to thrive in their work environment. The St. Mary’s Food Bank Skills Center focuses on empowering adults with barriers to employment by education through our Community Kitchen and LIFT programs. Contact us at (602) 343-3183 to get involved.

Community Kitchen

9-week food service training program

LIFT

6- week warehouse training program

The Application Process

1

Submit an Application

Fully complete and submit an application online, at our school, or through a partner pantry. It takes less than 20 minutes to apply online!

2

Attend an Info Session

Join us any Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a 1-hour information session at 3003 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85017; behind WIC.

3

Complete an Interview

Candidates will have a personal interview with a Community Kitchen or LIFT staff member.

Get Trained. Find a Job.

Apply now for one of our training programs, provided by St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Program Requirements

All candidates interested in joining the Community Kitchen or LIFT program must meet the following criteria:

  • Possess a barrier to employment

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have U.S. work authorization
  • Pass a drug test (with ongoing random tests during the program)
  • No arson or registered sex offenders
  • Consent to a background check
  • Show genuine interest in the foodservice industry or warehouse & logistics industry

  • Live in a shelter, own/rent, halfway house

  • Commit to classes Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., arriving punctually and prepared

  • Be ready for steady employment in foodservice or warehouse & logistics industry post-program

St. Mary’s Food Bank Skills Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team at (602) 343-3183 if your question is not listed below.

Why does this program exist?2024-08-16T17:48:20+00:00

To empower individuals with employment barriers to achieve self-sufficiency through job training, personal development, and employment in the food service or warehouse & logistics industry.

What skill level do students have after completing the program?2024-08-16T17:48:44+00:00

When students fully participate and practice the skills they learn during LIFT (Logistics, Inventory and Forklift Training) and Community Kitchen, they will be qualified for various positions in food service or the warehouse & logistics industry post-program.

Graduates of LIFT receive a 6-week condensed program with a combination of classroom studies and practical learning. When students fully participate and practice the skills they learn, they will be qualified for a warehouse logistics position. Students may potentially earn Foundational-Level Certified Logistics Associate 4.0 (CLA 4.0) ® Certificate and Mid-Level Technical CLT 4.0 Certification (CLT 4.0).

Graduates of Community Kitchen receive a 9-week condensed program with a combination of classroom studies and practical learning. When students fully participate and practice the skills they learn, they will be qualified for a dishwasher, prep, or line cook position. Students may potentially earn ServSafe Food Handler’s Card or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.

What is the average hourly wage earned by the graduates?2024-08-16T17:50:41+00:00

The average starting wage of graduates once employed is $18.10/hr. Starting wages will depend on students’ attitude, skills and abilities.

Do students have to pay for this training?2024-08-16T17:51:39+00:00

Thanks to generous community donors, the program is offered at no cost to people who need assistance and are looking for a positive life change.

What is the average class size?2024-08-16T17:52:29+00:00

For Community Kitchen, the class size is 10 students per session. For LIFT, the class size is 8 students per session.

How do people find out about Community Kitchen or LIFT?2024-08-16T17:53:14+00:00

The majority of students learn of LIFT from other social service agencies where they are already receiving assistance.

Where are classes held?2024-08-16T17:54:03+00:00

The training is conducted at St. Mary’s Food Bank in the University of Phoenix Center. The physical address is 3003 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. (This is our only location.)

Are graduates guaranteed a job?2024-08-16T17:54:52+00:00

The majority of graduates are working in great careers shortly after graduation. Every individual has different life circumstances, ability levels, and motivation levels that can affect employment; therefore, we cannot “guarantee” employment to every graduate.

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