That Smoothie Place

ABILITIES Pre-Employment Training Program

That Smoothie Place has developed a pre-pemployment training program tailored to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our focus is to provide participants with valuable learning opportunities in an immersive and supportive food service environment. We are passionate about fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion, empathy, compassion, and success for every individual involved. Our main goal is to ensure that their unique abilities and talents are acknowledged and respected in the community at large.

Our training program is personalized to each individual's abilities, ensuring they can fully absorb the knowledge and skills needed for success. We believe in creating workforce opportunities for those with learning differences, offering inclusive training for both adults and teens. Our program provides pre-employment exposure and specialized training to help individuals gain real-world experience and develop essential skills. This hands-on training experience empowers individuals with disabilities for success in a food service industry setting. We aim to guide participants toward meaningful employment and personal growth and are committed to their success

Program Overview

That Smoothie Place is dedicated to equipping program participants with essential entry-level skills, we are committed to providing thorough training to our program participants, equipping them with the fundamental skills needed to excel in the food service field. Our extensive training program encompasses a variety of essential subjects, which are detailed further below.

  • 10 - week training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Program days:

    • 1 day per week - Tuesday or Thursday

    • 2hr training session

    • Time - 9am-11am

  • Each class has a maximum of 3 trainees

  • Program does not guarantee employment at That Smoothie Place or any other business.

  • Program cost: $720

Phases Of Training

Phase 1 - Food Service Facility Maintenance - Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are vital practices in the foodservice industry, playing a crucial role in preventing cross-contamination and the spread of viruses. This extensive phase of maintenance involves thorough attention to both front and back of the house areas, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for both customers and staff.

Phase 2 - Customer Service - This phase encompasses a understanding of the vital role of customer service, the art of effective communication, the proper etiquette for greeting customers, the procedure for accurately taking orders, the skillful handling of orders, management of customer complaints, and more.

Phase 3 -  Safety & Sanitation - This phase encompasses a range of essential topics necessary for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Students will cover personal hygiene practices, suitable kitchen attire, correct handling of equipment, as well as kitchen safety and sanitation protocols, and principles of food safety and handling.

Phase 4 - Food prep and storage - This phase encompasses reading and using recipes, proper food handling, including techniques for washing, cutting, and preparing ingredients, as well as proper food storage practices to ensure freshness and food safety.

Phase 5 - Application -This phase allows participants the valuable opportunity to actively utilize and apply all the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the training program, thereby reinforcing their understanding and proficiency in real-world scenarios.

Program Benefits

  • Small class size

  • Industry Specific Skills

  • Customer Service and Communication

  • Personal Responsibility & Accountability

  • Immersive and Inclusive Setting

Eligibility

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Any intellectual and developmental disability will be considered

  • Demonstrates an interest in food service

JOIN THE PROGRAM

The application to this program is open to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an interest in the food service. After program completion, participants may be eligible (not guaranteed) to participate in an internship program with That Smoothie Place. If interested, please apply below.