Applications Available For Feeding Tampa Bay Workforce Training

TAMPA BAY, FL — Incarcerated at the age of 19, Anthony's introduction to adulthood was less than a stellar experience. He was looking at a lengthy prison sentence with few prospects for a better life once got out.

But Anthony was determined to turn his life around, and he had the good luck of meeting an inspiring career coach in prison who was able to put him on the right track.

The coach introduced Anthony to Feeding Tampa Bay's FRESHforce program, aimed at providing workforce development and on-the-job training for people like Anthony who face barriers to getting a decent job.

With the help of his coach, Anthony's sentence was reduced. Once out of prison, he signed up for the FRESHforce truck driver training program and graduated 10 weeks later with his commercial driving license.

He's now part of the Feeding Tampa Bay team, helping to deliver food to financially strapped families in the community.

“This is my dream job," Anthony said.

FRESHforce offers courses to prepare hard-to-place residents like Anthony for jobs in three industries: culinary, warehouse logistics and truck driving.

In addition to earning certifications in the industry of their choice, students earn a $12-an-hour stipend while attending classes and are taught how to write a resume, manage their finances and put their best foot forward during job interviews.

Truck Driver Training

Through the Truck Driver Training Program, students learn how to operate box trucks, as well as serve as Feeding Tampa Bay customer service representatives with partner agencies and donors.

Training includes delivering and receiving orders, loading and unloading orders with pallet jacks, trip reporting and vehicle inspection.

Students also learn standard operating procedures for Class B driving (including air brake training, defensive driving protocol and back up techniques), federal motor vehicle safety regulations, and cargo handling.

Courses also cover life skills, financial literacy and customer service.

During the 10 weeks of training encompassing 96 hours of classroom studies and 304 hours of hands-on training, and receive at least two certifications and a Class B commercial driver's license.

Culinary Training

The FRESHforce Culinary Training Program provides the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food service industry.

Students enrolled in the program receive hands-on experience learning in Feeding Tampa Bay's professional commercial kitchen, assisting in contract meal prep and catered events during their lab time with Feeding Tampa Bay chefs.

The employment readiness and life skills component of the program prepares students for work readiness, focusing on the importance of appropriate work behaviors, resumes and interviewing techniques, as well as household budgeting, stress relief and time management.

Over a 10-week training period, courses cover food safety and sanitation, knife skills and the basic culinary foundations needed to successfully obtain an entry-level position in any food service establishment across the country.

While enrolled, students experience every aspect of the food service industry including inventory and cost control, staffing and training, and production in a high-volume kitchen through banquet and catering operations, while developing a recipe portfolio to use during job interviews.

This program, which takes place at Sligh Middle School Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes 180 hours of direct instructions, 60 hours of soft skills training and 60 hours in an externship.

After completing the program, students walk away with at least three certifications including the ServSafe Food Handler's Certification and the ServSafe Manager Certification.

Warehouse Logistics Training

In the Warehouse Logistics Training Program, students represent Feeding Tampa Bay as a customer service representative to all partner agencies, donors and the public.

Training includes processing orders, receiving, storing and handling inventories as well as general equipment and facility maintenance.

Over the 10-week training period, students learn how to operate equipment (baler and compactor, forklift, cherry picker, pallet jack), build computer skills, learn ServSafe guidelines, complete order fulfillment in cold storage and dry storage, and count and receive inventory.

Courses also cover life skills, financial literacy and customer service to prepare candidates for the workforce.

Training, held at Feeding Tampa Bay's main facility in Tampa Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes 160 hours of classroom instruction and 144 of hands-on training.

Students graduate with at least six certifications including logistics technician certification, food handler's certification and forklift certification.

Feeding Tampa Bay is currently accepting applications for its FRESHforce programs through April 9. Those interested can click here or contact Mike Perkins at mperkins@feedingtampabay.org or 773-710-5252.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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• Millions Made Hungry During Pandemic Could Include Your Neighbor
• Nonprofits In Crisis: Charitable Giving Down While Needs Up