Manna CATERS (Culinary Arts Training & Employment Readiness School) - Culinary Training

This SkillBridge opportunity provides transitioning service members with hands-on training in commercial kitchen operations, food safety, and food service management, aligned with civilian workforce competencies. Participants develop technical, safety, and professional skills transferable to careers in food service, hospitality, institutional dining, and nonprofit operations.Trainees receive instruction and supervised practice in food safety and sanitation, including personal hygiene, foodborne illness prevention, allergen awareness, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and workplace safety, supporting ServSafe certification readiness. Operational competencies include knife skills, ingredient preparation, mise en place, core cooking methods, recipe execution, portion control, plating, and service readiness.Participants also build competencies in inventory management, cost control, waste reduction, and workflow coordination, while strengthening professionalism, communication, teamwork, and time management skills. This program emphasizes real-world application, accountability, and performance standards consistent with civilian employment expectations.Upon completion, participants are prepared for entry-level food service and culinary roles, equipped with industry-aligned technical skills, safety knowledge, and workplace competencies that support a successful transition from military to civilian employment.

The Prep Cook supports the kitchen team by preparing ingredients and performing basic food preparation tasks to ensure smooth and efficient service. Responsibilities typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing simple dishes or components, maintaining a clean and organized workstation, and following food safety and sanitation standards. The prep cook will also assist with the preparation of hot meals for food-insecure community members, contributing directly to community nourishment efforts. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow recipes and instructions, and effective teamwork in a fast-paced kitchen environment.