Position SummaryThe Sun Valley Kitchen Culinary Workforce Development Program is a paid, 10-week immersive training position designed to prepare participants for entry-level employment in Denver’s hospitality industry or continued culinary education. Trainees receive hands-on kitchen instruction, industry certifications, wraparound workforce supports, and supervised externships with local restaurant and hotel partners.
This program is designed for individuals who are ready to commit to professional kitchen training and pursue long-term employment in food service or hospitality.
Compensation: Paid hourly at $19.29. Approx. 35 hours per week for 10 weeksReports To: Kitchen Manager, Sun Valley KitchenProgram Structure
Weeks 1–8: Core Culinary Training
- Hands-on kitchen training at Sun Valley Kitchen
- Food safety, sanitation, knife skills, prep, and kitchen operations
- Industry best practices and workplace expectations
- ServSafe certification (provided during training)
Week 9: Fast Casual Externship
- Placement with a partner such as Birdcall
- Exposure to high-volume service, teamwork, and customer interaction
Week 10: Hotel / Upscale Externship
- Placement with a hotel partner such as The Maven
- Training in banquet prep, upscale service standards, and hospitality operations
What You Will Do
- Participate in daily kitchen operations and structured culinary training
- Practice safe food handling, prep, and sanitation procedures
- Follow kitchen systems, recipes, and instructions
- Work collaboratively as part of a professional kitchen team
- Engage in job readiness training, coaching, and career planning
- Plan and execute a final event to benefit the Sun Valley Community
- Represent Sun Valley Kitchen professionally at externship sites
Wraparound Workforce Supports
Participants also receive:
- Financial literacy and budgeting workshops
- Resume development and job search coaching
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Time management and workplace communication training
- Access to mental health resources and social service navigation
- Ongoing mentorship and alumni support for one year after completion
- One additional career coaching session post-program, if needed
QualificationsRequired
- 18 years of age or older
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Able to commit to the full 10-week schedule, including externships
- Physically able to work in a kitchen environment (standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs)
- Interest in pursuing food service or hospitality as a career
- Willingness to abide by Sun Valley Kitchen’s drug and alcohol policy
- Willingness to represent the program professionally with employer partners
Professional Readiness
- Reliable and punctual; communicates absences appropriately
- Coachable and open to feedback
- Demonstrates respectful communication and teamwork
- Able to work in a fast-paced, structured environment
- Growth mindset and willingness to start in entry-level roles
Experience
- No prior kitchen experience required
- Basic literacy and numeracy helpful
- Ability to follow instructions and recipes
Certifications
- Food Handler / Food Protection Certificate will be provided during training
Background Considerations
Sun Valley Kitchen uses an individualized review process. Prior justice involvement does not automatically disqualify applicants.
Due to the nature of the program and certain externship placements, individuals with recent convictions (within the past 3–5 years) involving physical harm, credible threats of harm, use of weapons, or sexual offenses that present a current safety concern may not be eligible for participation or for certain work placements.
Additional Considerations
- Reliable transportation is strongly preferred (support may be available)
- ESL support can be accommodated depending on cohort needs
- Alignment with program values of community, dignity, and accountability is essential
- This program is intended for individuals seeking long-term employment, not short-term income only
Pathways After Completion
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Secure entry-level employment in Denver’s hospitality industry
- Enroll in post-secondary culinary education (e.g., DU’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management)
- Join Sun Valley Kitchen’s alumni network for continued career support
You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you do need to be willing to work with us on it.”
Pay: $19.29 - $19.30 per hour
Work Location: In person
