“Gave Me Hope for the Future”: How Our Culinary Workforce Training Program Changed Lives

At Good Work Austin, we know that transforming the food industry starts with investing in people. This spring, we witnessed that transformation firsthand through the incredible journey of our Culinary Workforce Training (CWFT) Spring 2025 cohort.

Over the course of nine paid weeks, 12 trainees participated in more than 1,500 hours of free hands-on culinary instruction, life skills training, and community service—preparing over 300 meals for food-insecure neighbors in Austin. Through restaurant tours, onsite internships, and weekly guest chef demonstrations from Austin’s top culinary talent, trainees engaged directly with the industry. With 20 local restaurants participating, these experiences not only offered high-quality education but also opened doors to meaningful employment, professional connections, and insight into an industry that often feels out of reach.

But the true outcomes weren’t just measured in hours or meals. They showed up in self-worth, confidence, resilience and new pathways to opportunity.

“This program gave me hope for the future.”

“Showed me I’m still relevant in the industry.”

- Culinary Trainees

The CWFT program is designed for individuals who’ve faced systemic barriers to employment—including incarceration, unstable housing, or lack of access to education. By removing these barriers and offering wraparound support, our staff meets trainees where they are—with dignity, consistency, and belief in their potential.

That care starts in the kitchen. Chef Neena, who leads the program with both high standards and deep compassion, became a true anchor for many of the participants.

“GWA did an excellent job hiring Chef Neena. Her energy and compassion are what actually kept me coming to class each day. I didn’t expect such an advanced culinary experience—I would definitely recommend this program to someone else.”

- Culinary Trainee

Chef Neena pictured with trainees.

In fact, we expanded the weekly training hours this spring by 17%, giving our trainees even more time to learn vital skills like food safety, kitchen professionalism, interview prep, and understanding workers’ rights. 100% earned their Food Handler’s Certificate, and 25% secured employment within 30 days of completing the program—with 50% completing an externship at a Good Work Austin member restaurant.

As one graduate put it:

“Mentally, team work and bond, perspective shift and confidence!”

This is what makes our program different. It's not a one-size-fits-all bootcamp. It's a community of care, where staff and peers believe in each other’s success. We walk with each trainee through setbacks and celebrations. We give them the tools—but more importantly, the trust—to rewrite their story.

“Overall, this program has helped improve my confidence. I feel truly appreciative of the opportunity to learn, grow, and make new connections.”

Executive Director Kara Hanaoka shared:

“What makes this program so special is the staff’s deep investment in every trainee’s success. We’re not just teaching skills. We’re sending a message that each person belongs, is capable, and has a future worth building in this industry. And that belief, paired with real opportunity, changes lives.”

Looking ahead to Fall 2025, we’re excited to:

• Recruit 12 more trainees

• Track employment outcomes beyond graduation

• Expand partnerships with local food businesses

• Strengthen alumni connections for continued growth

This work wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community partners including 20 local Good Work Austin restaurants, and organizations such as Building Promise USA, which supports our trainees’ reentry journeys. As their Program Director Theo Hernandez put it:

“This program provides meaningful accessibility to people otherwise left out of upskilling opportunities. For many, education is behind a paywall with no means to engage. GWA removes those barriers and conveys that workforce training and employment is for everyone. Their program creates economic opportunity, grows our workforce, and strengthens our community. “

Together, we’re building a food system where dignity, equity, and opportunity are possible for everyone.