Job Training Programs at CFBNJ

In order to be admitted into the FSTA and WLTA programs, students must:

• Have earned a High School Diploma, or GED or have passed the CASAS exam.
• Show proof of eligibility to work with a proper ID (such as a driver’s license) and a social security card.
• Have a desire to succeed.

By the end of 14 weeks in our Food Service Training Academy, you will:

• Know basic cooking terms.
• Be familiar with kitchen equipment and tools.
• Have had hands-on practice in fundamental cooking.
• Know how to use cooking equipment found in hospitals, restaurants, cafeterias and industrial kitchens.
• Earn the ServSafe^® Food Protection Management Certificate administered by the National Restaurant Association.
• Learn what is needed to start a new career in the food service industry.

By the end of 8 weeks in our Warehouse Leadership Training Academy, you will:

• Know basic warehouse terms.
• Know safety guidelines in a warehouse setting.
• Be able to operate commonly used powered industrial trucks (PIT) such as forklifts, reach trucks, and rider pallet jacks.
• Know how to utilize inventory management systems to perform QC and inventory checks pf warehouse inventory.
• Earn the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification administered by a certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt.
• Learn interviewing and leadership skills used by prospective company leaders for companies such as Amazon.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey offers full scholarships to all students accepted into the program.

People who join our Workforce Development programs are individuals looking for a new set of skills and career path. Some students are referred by social-service agencies, halfway houses or welfare-to-work programs.

Under the guidance of Dr. Elaine Sanders, we employ classically trained chefs who oversee instruction in both our commercial kitchen and classroom settings.

Currently, one of the instructors for the WLTA is a former Training Supervisor for companies such as Amazon and US Foods and with years of educational and leadership experience. Our other Warehouse Logistics Instructor has over 10 years of warehouse experience. Certified in “train the trainer”, specializing in training and certifying individuals in the operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, and reach trucks.

Many of the academy’s graduates get entry-level jobs with restaurants, caterers or corporate dining services. Our employment placement rates are much higher than other food-service training programs. WLTA graduates obtain entry-level positions for companies such as Wakefern, PFG, or our very own CFBNJ Warehouse.

Culinary beginners often work as entry level cooks. Some graduates are able to start in a higher paying position as a cook or chef who are positioned to advance into executive chef or supervisory and management positions. Job openings for these positions are expected to be plentiful in the foreseeable future.

Students who complete the WLTA program have the advantage against other applicants when securing entry-level warehouse positions: most companies that utilize Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) prefer to hire individuals with PIT experience in an effort to reduce training costs and ensure a safe work environment.

Our staff works with both current students and graduates to secure employment or post-secondary education. Students receive assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, job placement counseling and networking opportunities.

We train for careers in the food service and warehouse industries.

Our FSTA trainers are professional chefs who have spent years in the industry. Our students have over 500 hours of commercial kitchen experience and job skills training.

For the WLTA program, we do not just train warehouse workers. We train potential warehouse leaders who will have the ability to lead any company they represent to success. Our trainers have years of extensive experience training warehouse associates, PIT Drivers, Warehouse Supervisors, and Warehouse Managers.

In addition to being trained in the essential skills required for culinary or warehouse success, we are proud that each of our students graduates with a tangible skill set to use in the workforce.

FSTA graduates get:

• ServSafe^® training and certification.
• An understanding of team dynamics.
• Developed emotional intelligence.
• The rigorous program and work required of our students make them great candidates for entry-level positions in the culinary industry where they will demonstrate their skills. Students prepare 12,000 meals per week while in training as industry professionals.

WLTA graduates get:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
• Developed emotional intelligence.
• The ability to safely operate commonly used warehouse PIT and, thus, gain an advantage in the application process.
• Under the guidance of Dr. Elaine Sanders, we employ experienced Warehouse Trainers and Training Supervisors with extensive experience with companies such as Amazon and USFoods.