As an ACF member and partner with area chefs and restaurants, For The Kingdom offers a unique opportunity to students interested in entering the restaurant and food service industries (commercial and non-commercial).
Note: Must be 18 years of age to participate in this program.
LeadChef 101 is a 3-month culinary kickstart certificate program. The program provides 12 weeks of classroom (online/in person) and in-kitchen training (150 hours). It is taught by professionally trained local chefs and industry professionals in partnership with For The Kingdom. Classes are interactive and intensive, equipping students with foundational culinary knowledge and techniques. This includes knife skills, equipment operation, kitchen mathematics, nutrition and food allergies, food and kitchen safety, and hands-on preparation of stocks and sauces, fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood, bakery products and so much more.
LeadChef 202 is available to students who have already completed the 101 certificate program. It entails a 12-week paid internship (30-40 hours per week) in a participating restaurant following the classroom portion. This introductory culinary program will provide students with the skills needed to obtain gainful employment in a world-class restaurant and set them on a pathway to a career in the Culinary Arts as well as other foodservice and hospitality industries.
You Receive:
- Certificate of completion from For The Kingdom, an ACF restaurant
- Certified Kitchen Cook / food preparation credentials
- CPR certification
- Opportunity for full-time employment to begin your culinary career (completion and performance dependent)
Included in Tuition:
- Uniform: 2 chef coats, knife kit, hat, apron, name tag, thermometer
- CPR class and exam
- Residence on campus at For The Kingdom while enrolled
- Materials for practical and written exams
We offer weekday training to anyone interested in learning how to market themselves in a competitive environment. All participants receive virtual and hands-on assistance to prepare them to seek or obtain employment and to keep the job once hired. Open to ages 15 and up. For more information or to set an appointment, click HERE.
Participants Receive:
- Resume or job application preparation
- Office skills training
- Basic computer skills training
- Customer service training
- Cover letter and thank you letter preparation
- Work-focused career exploration
- Interviewing skills (mock interviews) training
- Effective job seeking training
- Instruction in workplace expectations
Support Services:
Lead Academy hosts workshops, dinners, and weekend retreats to assist with continued development in all areas for youth and families in Memphis. Some of these include:
- Work and life balance
- Child care management
- Transportation management
- Household management
- Budgeting
- Decision making skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Time management
- Handling impulsive decisions
- Family strengthening skills
