Free HCC Line Cook Training Program Begins Jan. 26

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be running both daytime and evening editions of its free line cook training program beginning Monday, Jan. 26. All classes meet in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St.

The six-week daytime program starts Jan. 26 and runs until March 6. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 11-week evening program runs from Jan. 26 until April 8 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.

Additional spring semester line cook training programs will start on March 30 (daytime), April 27 (evening), and May 11 (daytime).

“HCC tries to meet the needs of its students by offering multiple options for start days and times,” said Paul Sheehan, assistant project coordinator for Culinary Arts programs. “Over the last few years, we have offered our free line cook training as separate day and evening programs to help students find the schedule that works best for them.”

The program is designed for those already in the restaurant industry who want to upgrade their skills, as well as unemployed or underemployed individuals interested in starting new careers.

“We usually have a mix of young people entering the job market for the first time and people who are re-entering the job market, looking for a second career,” Sheehan said. “The course is perfect for anybody who’s looking for a job and has a passion for food and the dining industry.”

Participants will learn all the essential competencies they need to become successful line cooks: knife skills; how to prepare stocks, soups, sauces, desserts, poultry, fish, and meat; culinary math and measurements; moist and dry heat cooking methods; as well as workplace soft skills, such as building a résumé and searching for jobs.

Offered as part of HCC’s Business & Workforce Development division, the line cook course is free to qualifying applicants. For more information or to fill out an inquiry form, visit hcc.edu/line-cook.