Free 5-week pre-apprenticeship for aspiring prep cooks, covering knife skills, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety with job placement.
1234 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Rolling admissions with cohorts starting throughout the year
No experience required
Many people want careers in hospitality but lack access to training, connections, and support. HTA was created as a labor-management partnership to bridge that gap, providing free, high-quality training and direct pathways to union jobs with benefits. The goal is to move people from poverty to economic independence through life-changing hospitality careers.
Started in 2022
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People passionate about cooking and ready to enter the food industry
Exact schedule varies by cohort; typically Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in a professional kitchen setting (hours may vary)
California Food Handler certification, HTA certificate, state pre-apprenticeship credential, job placement support
This program is completely free for all participants. No tuition, no fees, no hidden costs.
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
Instructors include classically trained chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, each with 10-35 years of professional and teaching experience.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
California Food Handler Certification
Developing speed and efficiency in a professional kitchen environment within the compressed 5-week timeline.
Gaining foundational culinary skills quickly and affordably, with a clear pathway into a full apprenticeship and union career.
Entry as prep cook, advance to line cook (potentially through HTA's Line Cook Apprenticeship), Sous Chef, and beyond over 5-10 years.
Cesar learned about HTA while he was a rideshare driver. A passenger told him about the program. After graduating, he started his career at Areas at LAX.
Submit an inquiry through the online application form, selecting your desired career track.
Attend an orientation session.
Meet with HTA staff for an assessment to identify the best training and employment path.
Complete enrollment and begin training.
After graduation, case managers assist with resume preparation, job applications, and interview prep.
Get placed into a job with an employer partner, with ongoing follow-up support.