Share on Facebook The first of its kind to come to Johnston County!!

July 1, 2011 marked the beginning of the Food and Beverage Management/Hospitality Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant. (What a mouthful) The key ingredients (partners) in this initiative are: Capital Area Workforce Development Board, Johnston Health Hospital, Johnston Community College and Johnston County Industries. The program aims to cultivate professionals for the food industry, which is the 5th largest job growth industry in Johnston County. The program came about when Mr. Jim Jenkins, Johnston Health Hospital board member, approached Johnston County Industries about taking over the eatery. Johnston County Industry saw this as a wonderful opportunity to train workers, and very appealing to emphasize training, rather than profit.

{mosimage}The program is seeking students, who are residents of Wake or Johnston County, and who are dislocated workers, meaning they have lost their job, by no fault of their own. Also, our students are older than 18 and have a deep passion for the food industry.

The training takes places right here in Johnston County at the Cyber Cafe, located at 514 N. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC. Each session is 12 weeks long, with both classroom training, as well as "hands on" experience in the Cyber Cafe. Upon qualifying, each student will be given complete uniforms; books and all test materials, as well as study guides. Now, add a pinch of a "winning attitude" and you have a student prepared to receive an opportunity to change the rest of their life, a true recipe for success!

Students are excited about the opportunity to receive their ServSafe certificate, along with a Career Readiness Credential. They are particularly very happy about having assistance with developing a winning resume, mock interviewing, and job placement. All of these attributes allow the students to really shine and stand out among applicants applying for jobs today.

It is truly a "win - win" for all involved -  employers recognize that the credentials offered to our students are very valuable in the food industry today. Some employers actually qualify to receive incentives for hiring students from this program.

For more information on the culinary training program, contact Shirley Chamberlain, Business Services Manager at 919-971-6926 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our next class starts soon!!