Serving People
Each year we train unemployed and low income individuals in culinary and baking arts to help them sustain themselves and their families – more than 80% find jobs following graduation.
Culinary Arts Training (CAT) Program
In February of 2009, Cathedral Kitchen launched its first job training initiative: the Culinary Arts Training (CAT) program, targeting Camden and surrounding area residents who are unemployed or underemployed, often at risk of becoming homeless. Enrolled students incur no tuition or supply costs; textbooks and related study materials, chef uniforms and shoes are all provided by CK. Students are recruited from area community agencies, our dinner guests, the Camden population, and increasingly, from CAT program graduate referrals. Operating three times per year for 15 weeks, the program is designed to instruct students in the skills needed to obtain employment in the culinary industry. Included is ServSafe certification training, instruction in basic cooking and baking techniques, use of commercial kitchen equipment, and large quantity food production. Hundreds of students have graduated from the CAT program and earned their ServSafe certification rate; more than 86 percent have gained employment within three months of graduation. As of 2021, CK’s Culinary Program is Recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation as an ACFEF-Approved Program.
Culinary Arts Program (CAT) graduates on graduation day.
