Workforce Development
Hands on Culinary Training for All
The Stephen Woods Culinary Workforce Development Program is designed to prepare aspiring chefs and culinary professionals who are experiencing unemployment and underemployment for careers in the food service industry. Named after our visionary former Executive Director and launched in January 2025, this 11 week program gives apprentices the a full culinary school experience and more.
If you have any questions about the program, contact Kira Scott, Culinary Education and Innovation Manager, at KScott@OpenHandAtlanta.org.
Hear from Our Graduates
Program Details
Hands on Culinary Training in Real Kitchen Environments || ServSafe® Training & Certification Testing || Catering Experience with Live Events || Nutrition Education with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist || Personal Development and Financial Literacy Training || Career Coaching and Job Readiness Support || Bus Passes || Free Chef Uniforms and Tools
Apply to Become a Culinary Apprentice
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about starting a career in the culinary industry, with a commitment to excellence in food service. Interested candidates will complete an application and, if approved, will be invited for an interview to assess their interest and readiness for the program. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation session to review program expectations and guidelines.
Our classes are currently on a waitlist, but we encourage you to fill out an interest form! We will follow up with you once received and let you know when you're able to move to the next phase of the application process for our next available session.
Apply to Become a Culinary Referral Partner
We’re always looking to partner with community-focused organizations that want to provide real opportunities for their clients.
Let’s work together to empower the next generation of culinary professionals! If you're interested in joining this program by becoming a referral partner for Open Hand's Culinary Workforce Development program, please click the button below to fill out an interest form.
Support Workforce Development
You can directly sponsor our program and ensure ongoing apprenticeship opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers such as homelessness, unemployment, or limited access to training. Your gift will help cover training costs, from uniforms and equipment to transportation and wraparound services that lead to long-term success.
Good Measure Meals’ Bake Shop is run through our Culinary Workforce Development Program! All loaves are baked by our chef apprentices, with 100% of the proceeds helping to support their educational needs. Now open year-round, it’s a delicious way to support the program!
Meet the Program Leads
Our Workforce Development program relies on several people from the Open Hand team to ensure every apprentice receives the support they need, from Human Resources to Operations. However, it's Chef Kira Scott and Chef Jarrod Phillips that are in the Teaching Kitchen Monday through Thursday every week, keeping our apprentices accountable and imparting their years of industry knowledge.