Looking to Work with Food & People?

This program is scheduled to begin in February 2026. Please feel free to contact us about enrollment or with questions.

MTP's FREE training program will prepare you for a union culinary arts job with benefits! This training program is designed for people with previous food and hospitality experience who are looking to advance in the field.

Union culinary jobs pay well and are great for people who like working in a team environment.  Culinary professionals can work mornings, days, nights, weekdays and weekends, making these jobs excellent options for people who prefer a work schedule outside the traditional 9 am -5 pm.  

UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota’s hospitality union, helped us design this training, and our employer partner is ready to hire! 

In addition, our FREE program for qualifying individuals provides many specialized services that meet the needs of busy people.  

Kitchen Coursework:

Seven-week program

• Hands-on training with a skilled chef at Saint Paul College’s culinary training center
• Opportunities to network with our employer partner and experienced union leaders

Paid Work Experience:

• Work alongside experienced professionals at upscale venues in Saint Paul
• Build confidence, new skills,  job readiness, and work references while gaining a paycheck for participation.

Other Program Highlights:

In addition to training onsite at Saint Paul College’s culinary training facilities and paid work experiences, you’ll receive a full range of other assistance:

• Personalized, one-to-one help from a Program Navigator throughout your program participation
• Support services to help ensure you graduate
• Work readiness and other training to help you get a good job in the hospitality field and meet your long-term goals

Eligibility Requirements:

Note: applicants will be requested to provide photo ID, social security card, and work authorization documentation (if not a U.S. citizen)

• To qualify, participants must:
• Be 18 years or older
• Be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Not be enrolled in a K–12 school
• Be actively seeking employment
• Have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or Identify as an individual of color

Contact us regarding enrolling for early 2026.

Minnesota Training Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Provider.  This workforce product was funded (or funded in part) by a grant awarded by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The product was created by the grant recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DEED. DEED makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.