Brooklyn nonprofit offers 11-week paid restaurant training to asylum seekers

CARROLL GARDENS, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- A nonprofit is offering a paid apprenticeship program on the new Jobs NYC website to prepare asylum seekers in New York City to work in restaurants.

The two-part program offered by the nonprofit Emma's Torch is an 11-week program in Brooklyn with up to 400 hours of culinary training, according to the program's website.

Part one is an introduction to a professional American kitchen. Participants will learn basic knife skills and communication skills, as well as a high standard of sanitation and kitchen safety. Those in the program will also prep food for the Emma's Torch restaurant and cafe.

In part two of the program, trainees will learn skills set in one of the nonprofit cafes and work every station.

Once graduated from the program, graduates will be able to use the nonprofit's network of employers for job placement.

The program also offers:

• Weekly English classes focused on culinary vocabulary and interview preparation
• Job readiness workshops, mock interviews, and mock trails with leading restaurants
• Regular evaluations to track progress and prepare for a long-term career

Emma's Torch said students are paid a full-time minimum wage and offers professional knives and uniforms to every student for free.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• Refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, or survivors of human trafficking who have arrived in the United States within the past five years 
• Ready to have full-time availability for the duration of the program 
• Over 18 years old on their first day of the program
• Able to work in the United States
• Making less than $10,000 annually and/or facing significant barriers to employment in the US
• Willing and able to stand for 8 hours and lift boxes up to 50lbs
• Able to communicate and follow instructions in English
• Passionate about food

To learn more about the program and apply, click here.