Workforce Programs

We have an impressive line-up of workforce readiness and leadership programs, all designed to meet the many interests of teens.  One teen at a time, we are helping to build a stronger community and workforce for the future.

 

RU Ready? Work Certificate Program  An 8 week “work ready certification” course designed to prepare teens on how to get and keep and job.  The course focuses on 15 competencies that Sonoma County employers have identified as being needed for success on the job.  Towards the end of the course, local employers host “mock” interviews for participants to practice their interviewing skills.  Participants receive a portfolio of their work and an updated resume. Upon completion of the course, participants are awarded a “work ready certificate” that they can show potential employers.  (Offered 3 times per year)

Awesome Pretzel Cart Program  A two week hands on work experience program.  Teens will learn the basics of running a pretzel cart business. We will be using Chop’s very own pretzel cart to teach business skills such as customer service, cash handling, food safety and sanitation and best of all, to sell delicious pretzels. This course meets the requirement for eligibility to work the Awesome Pretzel Cart at community events. Information will also be provided on obtaining the  Food Handler’s Certificate. (Offered 8 times per year)

Basic Food Handler Certification   In order to work in the food service industry in the State of California you are required to get your food handler certificate. This two hour course and test covers all of the required topics such as proper times and temperatures for cooking and storing food, personal hygiene, equipment sanitation and much more. Upon the completion of the course, you will receive the California Food Handler’s Certificate, which is good for three years.  This certificate is required to work the Chop’s Awesome Pretzel Cart at community events.

Barista Training Certificate Program  A series of 2-hour workshops featuring employable skills for working in a coffee shop.  Students learn steaming, frothing and preparing hot/cold drinks, how to get a barista job, and outstanding customer service skills.  Each participant receives a training manual, recipe guide and certificate of completion after passing the Barista Basics Test. (Offered 20 times per year)

Culinary/Catering Program  The culinary program is held every Friday in Chop’s Teaching Kitchen.  The class accommodates beginning and intermediate culinary students.  The curriculum focuses on culinary basics such as getting used to being in the kitchen and reading recipes, to more advanced skills such as safety and sanitation, knife skills, baking, sautéing and grilling.  Part of the curriculum includes career guidance and exploration in the field of Culinary Arts. (Offered 46 times per year)

JobsMadeReal.com  A career focused website featuring thousands of videos of people doing their jobs.  The website was created in response to teens saying they do not know what people really do in their jobs; therefore find it difficult to decide on a career direction.  Along with videos showing people engaged in their jobs, it also provides statistical data on job forecast and career information. 

Digital Video Making  An introduction to digital video and basic camera operation, framing and shooting video.  Other topics covered include basic workflow from planning, to shooting, to editing.  Participants will have an opportunity to learn techniques on how to make their video productions look professional.  Participants will also have the opportunity to start creating a professional portfolio of their work, which includes creating videos than can be posted on the jobsmadereal.com website.  (Offered 3 times per year)

Teen Tech Workforce Program  This program offers Beginning and Intermediate Photoshop, Web Design, Graphic Design and Beginning Programming.  Part of the curriculum includes career guidance as well as highlighting 15 competencies that Sonoma County employers identified as being needed for success on the job.  (Offered 4 times per year)

Basic Teen Facilitator Training  The Basic Facilitator’s Training for Teens is a program that builds leaders!  Participants will develop their leadership skills and style through fun leadership activities, team building exercises, and dynamic discussions.  They will learn the skill of delivering powerful, winning presentations in the presence of peers and adults.  This basic training will build participants’ skills that enable them to connect with and teach their peers. (Offered 3 times per year)

Advanced Leadership Facilitator Training  Participants learn the skills and tools to create effective and engaging workshops for elementary and middle school youth.  Upon graduation, participants will become part of the Youth Empowerment Council’s Leadership Facilitator Group, who will conduct trainings at various elementary and middle schools during the school year.  (Offered 3 times per year)

Youth Empowerment and Leadership Conference (held annually in April)  This one day conference for 7th and 8th graders is held during the school day and is designed to empower youth with the tools, inspiration and aspiration to move forward confidently as leaders, and to succeed and thrive in their lives.  This is accomplished through inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, music, dance, and the opportunity to visit booths occupied by key Sonoma County organizations dedicated to the empowerment of our youth community.

Youth Empowerment Council (Partnership with Tomorrow’s Leaders Today)  A group of older teens that utilize their leadership skills to help plan and run the Youth Empowerment and Leadership Conference at Chop’s.  They will also go to middle and elementary schools to provide younger students with leadership training.  The Council will eventually report to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. 

Sponsors

Major Partner

Jeannie Schulz

Partner

Mike & Suzy Marzalek

Collaborator

Herb & Jane Dwight

Advocate

Stakeholder