Program Description
The Bread Project is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation that trains people with low income who face barriers to employment in the skills needed for entry-level commercial baking and cooking positions.
The training program consists of two streams:
- 9-week café/restaurant training in Berkeley focuses on culinary, barista and customer service skills for jobs in food service
- 12-week bakery production training in Emeryville focuses on bakery skills and good manufacturing practices for jobs in the food manufacturing sector.
Each training stream consists of three main components:
- Skills training
- Job readiness
- Follow up services and supports.
State-certified culinary instructors lead baking and cooking classes. Food production experience is integrated into the trainees’ curriculum through the operation of The Bread Project’s social enterprises.
To help trainees make the transition into employment, the program includes a job readiness component. Trainees learn about job search, resume writing, interview, and job retention skills. We also encourage positive health and life habits. Throughout the training session, we aim to provide individualized assistance in completing the training and securing employment.
The last program component offers post-graduation supports. Follow-up services continue for at least 12 months to help graduates obtain and retain jobs.
Our social enterprises provide trainees with opportunities for crucial hands on experience in our café, catering services and bakery. Additionally, the proceeds from these enterprises are invested back into the training program.
We are building on our double bottom line to provide the training needed to succeed in the food indsutry and to grow market opportunities that strengthens our fiscal and social sustainability.