Food Service

The Food Service Program prepares individuals with disabilities to work in the food service industry. If you have questions or for more information about Food Service Training, please contact Debbie Noble at 410-554-9561 or by email at Deborah.Noble@maryland.gov.

Program Description

This course is a total of 14 weeks, which includes six weeks of training at WTC and an eight-week internship. This program includes classroom instruction, hands-on experience in the WTC cafeteria, and an eight-week internship at a local business.

Training curriculum includes:

• Customer service skills
• Food handling and food preparation skills
• Kitchen safety
• Equipment safety and operation
• Food safety and ServSafe principles
• Cleaning and sanitation
• Weights and measurements
• Food portions and nutrition
• Cash register operation and order taking

Program Requirements

Admission Criteria:

Applicant must be able to:

• Demonstrate good communication skills
• Be tactful and work well with others
• Follow verbal instructions
• Stand for long periods of time
• Lift and carry 30 lbs. of food products and containers
• Stoop, bend, stretch, and stand for long periods of time
  

Exit Criteria:

The student will exit with a certificate in Food Service after successfully completing the 14-week program. Successful trainees must display a strong work ethic by arriving to shifts on time, demonstrating understanding of customer service skills, demonstrate ability to work safely with food, operate cash register and take orders from customers. Successful trainees must also demonstrate an ability to work as a team member, fully participate and complete off-site internship, and display an understanding of proper food safety and sanitation standards.

Employment Outlook

Employment opportunities for food service workers are expected to decline 2% or lower by 2032. Average hourly wage in Maryland is $15.59​.

Authorization Requirements

1. Category: WTC Career & Technology Training
   Subcategory: Food Service
   
2. Category: WTC Employment Services
   Subcategory: WTC Training Graduates
3. Category: WTC Academic Services
   Subcategory: WTC Academic Instruction
4. Category: WTC RTS Support
   Subcategory: OT-PT Back Class
5. Category: WTC Behavioral Health Services
   Subcategory: Health Education

For consumers on the Autism Spectrum add the following item:

6. Category: WTC Autism Services Training
   Subcategory: Autism Support-Group
7. Category: WTC Autism Services Training
   Subcategory: Autism Employment Support-Group

Uniform Requirements

Please list uniforms on the student’s plan. Estimated cost for Food Service training uniforms is $250. WTC staff will order uniforms.

Sign Language Interpreting

Please include Communication Services on the student’s plan. Estimated cost for sign language interpreting for Deaf consumers is $57,751. WTC staff will arrange this service.

Transportation

Please include Transportation on the student’s plan. Estimated cost for transportation to internships is $1,000. WTC staff will arrange this service.

IPE Requirements and Estimated Costs

• Service Category: WTC Career and Technology Training
• Food Service Training – ​$2,880
• Service Category: WTC Academic Services Training
• Academic Instruction – No Fee
• Service Category: Goods/Services Required for Training or Employment
• Uniforms – $250
• Service Category: Communication Services
• Communication – $57,751
• Service Category: Transportation
• Transportation – $1,000​
  

Related Documents

• Food Service Handout
• Occupational Readiness Record: Food Service (RS-WTC-3g)