CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As Chicago’s restaurant industry emerges from COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, a new apprenticeship program kicked off Monday at McCormick Place.
Alfredo Contreras learned how to make chicken stock during his first class. The 24-year-old from Logan Square has worked for Levy Restaurants, although the pandemic put a lid on things for awhile.
“I’m hoping to basically hone my skills for the stuff that I already know and get taught how to do it the correct way — the chef’s way,” he told WBBM Newsradio. “Because everything I’ve learned I’ve learned from on-the-job experience.”
After eight weeks of training, Contreras and more than a dozen other participants will return to their jobs. They’ll work as apprentices for the rest of the year, graduating with a certification that will allow them to earn more.
HIRE360, a nonprofit that connects underserved minority businesses and communities to jobs, applied for a state grant to tap recruits for the training.
Karen Kent, chair of Unite Here Chicago Hospitality Institute, said the idea is to help hospitality workers who are among the hardest hit by the pandemic.
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