Transition Kitchen Foundation · Las Vegas
Culinary Arts Program
The Complete Program Guide
Program at a Glance
- Who it's for: Adults ages 17 and up
- Cost: Free tuition
- Pay: $12.00/hr for all on-the-job training (OJT) hours
- Cohort size: Capped at 12 students for personal instruction
- Certification earned: Official ServSafe & SNHD health permits
- Location: 330 W. Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (Historic Westside)
- Status: Open and enrolling now
What You'll Learn
Training happens inside a live, revenue-generating commercial kitchen — not a classroom simulation. You learn by doing, alongside working chefs.
- Knife skills, safety, and professional kitchen setup
- Cooking fundamentals: stocks, sauces, proteins, sides, and baking basics
- Food safety, sanitation, and ServSafe certification prep
- Menu execution, plating, and working the line under real service pressure
- Teamwork, communication, and kitchen professionalism (life skills through culinary arts)
- Financial literacy and career-readiness coaching
What's Included
- Paid on-the-job training at $12/hr
- Official culinary uniform
- Professional Mercer knife kit
- ServSafe certification and SNHD health permits
- Direct path toward Culinary Workers Union Local 226 employment
Career Placement & Union Benefits
The goal is sustainable, living-wage employment. Graduates gain direct structural integration with the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which can include:
- Premium-free health coverage
- Employer-funded pensions
- Housing fund access — up to $30,000 in zero-interest loans toward homeownership
- Industry-recognized certifications
Your First Mission: Rally Your 10
Every accepted student rallies 10 supporters who donate to their success. These donations help fund the real costs of training and show you've built a community behind you. Start your Success Circle at transitionkitchenfoundation.org/champions.html.
Eligibility & What to Bring
- Ages 17+. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's consent.
- A commitment to attend scheduled classes and complete the required OJT hours.
- No prior experience required — eager beginners are welcome.
More Pathways Coming Soon
Additional tracks — Youth Explorers & Prep Academy, Adult Workforce Training, Worker's Retraining & Recovery, and the Micro Business Incubator — are in development and will open in future cohorts. The Culinary Arts Program is the only track enrolling right now.