UNITE HERE Local 23 Members

Through training and education, the STEP Fund builds pathways into unionized jobs and up the career ladder, so that Job Seekers and Members can can support themselves and their families with dignity.

The STEP Fund’s training and education program offers a wide variety of courses for union members and for their family 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 Upskilling/Technique Classes
  • Baking and Pastry
  • Catering Entrepreneur (Business and culinary classes designed to help workers build a side venture)
  • ServSafe Food Handler
  • ServSafe Manager (needed for your food license)
  • AllerTrain Lite (food allergy certification)
  • TIPS Alcohol Safety
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Introduction to Computers
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Team Building
  • Other short workshops

Check our page often for new class offerings. 

How to Register

Find the class you’re interested in and submit the application! (By submitting the application you agree to receive recurring messages from STEP about your classes. You may reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.)

Please read our “no call no show policy”!

Upcoming Classes

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Aug 3
to
Aug 10
Culinary Upskilling

Seasonal Menu: Cooking for Quality and Cost

Cook fresh, cook smart!

For Local 23 Members
Time 10:00am1:00pm
Location Type In Person
View Class Details
Aug 6
to
Aug 7
Culinary Upskilling

Fish and Shellfish: Fresh Catch

Skills: Fish and Shellfish fabrication; assessing quality and freshness

For Local 23 Members
Time 5:00pm7:30pm
Location Type In Person
View Class Details
Aug 15
Culinary Upskilling

Ice Creams/Frozen Desserts

Skills: custards

For Local 23 Members
Time 5:00pm8:00pm
Location Type In Person
View Class Details
Sep 7
Food & Alcohol Safety

TIPS: Alcohol Safety

For Local 23 Members
Time 9:30am4:30pm
Location Type In Person
View Class Details
Sep 10
to
Sep 12
Culinary Upskilling

Baking Essentials: Breads and Quickbreads

Skills: Yeasted doughs, fast rising dough, mixing methods, measurements

For Local 23 Members
Time 5:00pm8:00pm
Location Type In Person
View Class Details

Frequently Asked Questions

  • STEP’s job training classes are focused on the skills and knowledge needed for work in the food service industry: we cover customer service, kitchen skills, food safety.  Our other classes include: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); Leadership; Introduction to Digital Literacy. Some of these classes may be restricted to eligible UNITE HERE Local 23 members (and sometimes their family members) who work for a participating employer. We do not offer classes in other sectors.

  • All of our classes are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

  • External, industry recognized certification classes and exams are part of our Job Training programs. Eligible UNITE HERE Local 23 members may also register for any of our scheduled Food Safety or Alcohol service classes.

  • Some of our job seeker classes may include a student stipend. There is no need for tuition assistance since the classes are free. If you are a UNITE HERE Local 23 DC member looking for tuition reimbursement assistance for a class you have taken elsewhere (such as a community college, university, or vocational program) or want to support a scholarship application for a child or grandchild, please click here.

  • This is up to you and your employer to discuss.

  • Many classes are restricted to eligible members of UNITE HERE Local 23 and sometimes their family members. Others are created specifically for under/un-employed community (or union) members whose goal includes obtaining a position with one of STEP’s partner employers.

  • Please check the class in question. This answer varies by class.

  • The attendance policy depends on the class. Our Job Training classes have strict attendance requirements that will be explained to you when you apply. They may vary based on the class length.

  • Yes. While we understand that emergencies happen, we reserve the right to restrict your future registration to waitlisting/standby if you fail to inform us at least 24 hours in advance that you will not be able to attend class. We often have classes with waitlists, and failure to give advance notice means that we are unable to offer the open seat to another member. We strongly urge you to first check in with your manager to make sure that you are able to call off work if necessary for attendance.  Please review our no call no show policy.

  • Classes for UNITE HERE Local 23 members are open to any Local 23 member working at a unit where there is an agreement with STEP. Most Local 23 units are in the STEP Fund but some are not. If you are not sure, please text us at 301-876-4419 and we can let you know.

  • For information about our partner UNITE HERE Local 23, please see https://www.unitehere23.org/   https://www.facebook.com/UniteHereLocal23/