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Food Preparation Technician Program

In-Demand Food Preparation Training at Delaware Tech

Delaware Tech's Stanton Campus is excited to offer FREE training to prepare unemployed and underemployed Delawareans for full-time employment in the food service industry. Funded by a Delaware Department of Labor Blue Collar Grant, our Food Prep Tech program is designed to teach food preparation skills that are in high-demand by Delaware’s restaurants and food service employers. This program prepares successful graduates for entry-level positions in the industry and provides an opportunity to earn up to four certificates in food preparation and eight credits in the College's two-year culinary associate degree program which boasts a 100% graduate placement rate.

This program is designed for Delawareans who meet the following requirements:

  • At least 18-years old with a high school diploma or GED.
  • Able to demonstrate a 10th-grade reading and math level on the TABE academic assessment tool.
  • Unemployed or underemployed with a passion for working in the food service industry.
  • Able to commit to a 5-month intensive program totaling 240 hours (80 hours hands-on kitchen experience, 80 hours classroom time, 80-hour paid internship).
  • Committed to obtaining full-time employment at the conclusion of the training.

Application process:

  1. Attend one mandatory information session at the Stanton Campus.

    • Monday, July 30, 5:30–7:30pm
    • Friday, August 3, 2-4pm
    • Friday, August 10, 2-4pm
    • Monday, August 13, 5:30–7:30pm
  2. Complete Food Prep Tech application.
  3. Take a reading and math assessment.
  4. Submit to a background check and drug testing.
  5. If selected, participate in an interview.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for a position such as:

  • Food Preparation Technician

What You Will Earn

According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage of food preparation workers in Delaware is $21,530-$22,890 (May 2017).

For more information, please contact Lisa Hastings-Sheppard at (302) 454-3956 or lhasting@dtcc.edu