As restaurants face worker shortages, Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester has received $160,000 from the state’s Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program to train former inmates of the Worcester County Jail & House of Corrections in culinary skills.
The program was founded by Rosalin Acosta, secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. It seeks to give previously incarcerated individuals job training as the re-enter the workforce, according to a Tuesday press release.
The certificates offered are part of the college’s not-for-credit program but can be used to receive college credits.
In addition to culinary skills, participants also receive credentials including ServSafe Food Handlers, FEAST, and Massachusetts Allergen Training certifications which are necessary for the culinary industry.
“QCC is committed to providing training opportunities to all individuals seeking to enter into employment in Central Massachusetts. The work we do with returning citizens is especially important as it provides the skills needed for employment and provides our returning citizens a pathway to self-sufficiency and economic independence,” Kathie Manning, dean of QCC Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, said in the press release.
