What is the Root Youth Program?
A 14-week job training program that combines hands-on food service training with job and life skills. Trainees work with a professional chef, receive one-on-one job coaching, and gain personal finance and workforce readiness skills all while earning a weekly stipend!
Who is the Root program for?
Youth and young adults who…
Are between the ages of 16 and 26
Can commit to a part-time, 14-week, training program in Salem, MA
Available Monday-Friday (morning and afternoon sessions offered)
Are interested in getting a job in the food service industry
Remaining 2021 Program Dates
October 4, 2021 - January 14, 2022
Ready to apply?
If you are interested in the program, please fill out the Youth Application by clicking on the button below. If you would like to set up a time for a individual or group tour, please contact Sara D'Alessandro, Director of Programs, at sdalessandro@rootns.org or by phone at 978-616-7615.
Refer a Youth
If you know a young person who you think would be a good fit for this program and would like us to reach out to them, please complete the referral form below.
A Day at Root…
In the Kitchen
Trainees receive intensive training to prepare them to work in the culinary field. This begins in the "back-of-the-house" - the kitchen and prep areas. They learn utensils and equipment, mise en place and how to set up a work station, knife skills, how to develop taste, and necessary safety considerations when preparing food for public consumption. As the program advances, they have opportunity to learn and hone bread making skills, prepare soup stocks, and understand preparation of meats.
"Front-of-the-house" skills, generally the dining room and bar, are also an important aspect of our training. Trainees learn and practice customer service, the roles in a restaurant kitchen, bar and beverage basics, and proper food handling techniques.
Career Readiness
When Trainees aren’t in the kitchen, they are gaining hard and soft life skills essential for success in their personal and professional lives. These include resume building, conflict resolution, interviewing, basic budgeting, and career planning. Beyond weekly career readiness workshops, Root offers one-on-one coaching two days a week for those would benefit from additional support.
Off-Site Externships
After the first six weeks of robust orientation to equipment, cooking methods, respect, and safety, Trainees spend complete five shifts with local restaurants and food service providers as Externs. These area eateries and food service providers immerse them in the rigor of business, and the Trainees have an opportunity showcase their character, commitment, and aptitude in the process.
The Outcome
Trainees graduate with an abundance of new practiced skills and direct experience that they may employ in whatever career path they choose. As importantly, they have also built their personal confidence and self-esteem. Together, these comprise a core foundation critical for those young people looking to become employed and ultimately self-sufficient. It works…and so do they. Trainees from our initial class have already been hired into jobs that resulted from their Externships!
Covid-19 Program Update
At this time, masks are required indoors for all Trainees, employees and visitors. The Root staff has committed to following all MA state guidelines around Covid-19 and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please contact Sara D’Alessandro for more information:
sdalessandro@rootns.org | 978-616-7615