Our Classes

We have something for everyone.  Whether you have no culinary experience whatsoever, or you are seeking particular skills to move up the career ladder, we can help you.

Training and Education Program

The STEP Fund’s training and education program offers a wide variety of courses for both union and non-union members.  Class offerings are determined by the Board of Trustees and the STEP Director and are subject to change based on employee and employer needs.  Typical courses offered include: culinary classes, introduction to baking/pastry, barista- introduction to coffee service and espresso, ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, AllerTrain, TIPS, ESL classes, preparation for citizenship exams, customer service skills, team building, digital literacy, health and safety classes, and many more.  Please check back periodically to see what is currently being offered.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the STEP Fund’s training and education program is fully detailed in the Summary Plan Description.  To be eligible, you must be a present employee of a contributing employer, a dependent of a present employee of a contributing employer, a prospective employee, or an individual capable of being trained (including disadvantaged persons who may require special education or training).

Some courses may also require an initial reading or math test, or they may require that you take certain prerequisite classes.

Classes for Union Members

We have a variety of classes for union members, including ServSafe and Allertrain.

From cooking to customer service, computers to English, we can help you find the right class, or work with your employer to bring one to your shop. Contact us today and we will help you decide which course is right for you, or check below for a list of our currently scheduled union classes.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES:

No Events

Classes for Job Seekers

For community members looking for union work, we offer Job Seekers classes:

Cook, Food Service Worker, and more. Contact us today and we will help you decide which course is right for you, or check below for a list of our currently scheduled Job Seekers classes.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES:

No Events

How to Apply

Course offerings are subject to change and will contain information about how to sign up for each one.  You can also contact [email protected] or text or call 301-876-4419 for more information.

Student Rules

Textbooks and Training Materials

  • Students do not pay anything to take the courses offered by the STEP Fund.  All necessary books and course-related materials will be provided to those who are eligible and enrolled in the class.  Costs of exams taught by the STEP Fund are also free.
  • For English as a Second Language courses, you may be required to make a small deposit for materials at the beginning of the class.  If you meet the attendance requirements, then you will receive your deposit back.
  • Students are responsible for covering any external courses that are not being taught or offered through the STEP Fund.
  • The STEP Fund is not responsible for the loss or theft of your personal property.  Please do not leave you possessions unattended.

 

Attendance and Completion

Some courses that are in high demand or come with certifications may have attendance requirements.  The course description and materials will include any attendance requirements applicable to the class.  Failure to meet these requirements may result in you being dropped from the class.  In certain instances, you may be able to continue to attend the course, but you may not receive certification at the end.  If you meet the attendance requirements but fail a course exam, you may receive an attendance certificate rather than a certificate of completion.

Registration and No-Call No-Show Policies

We have limited space in face-to-face classes and frequently have waitlists. Please understand that when you sign up but don’t show up, you’re taking a spot from a union sister or brother. We understand that emergencies happen, but ask you to communicate with us as soon as possible so that we can give your seat to someone else.

We will be sending confirmation texts. If you do not respond to the text, your name will be removed from the registration list to make room for others. You will not be penalized for failure to confirm.

If you confirm but do not show up to class and/or fail to inform us in enough time to give someone else your spot, when you register for future classes you will be placed on a waitlist. You will be permitted to take the class if there is space available. Call us if there was an emergency to discuss.

Let’s Work Together!

Let us be a part of your success story. 

Contact Us