Apply to BCC Culinary Arts Certificate Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is accepting applications to its Culinary Arts certificate program, a seven-week apprenticeship program preparing students for careers in culinary arts.  

The Culinary Arts apprenticeship program combines instruction in the classroom and in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with professional work in the field. After seven weeks of foundational coursework, focusing on core culinary skills and knowledge, students will apply their knowledge and receive further practical training while already working professionally with BCC’s educational partners. 

"Graduating from the culinary program at BCC gave me the hands-on skills and confidence I needed to step straight into a professional kitchen. What made the program truly helpful was the practical, daily kitchen training and the one-on-one mentorship from Alexia, who taught us not just how to cook, but how to work efficiently under pressure," said graduate Owen Corbett. "The small class sizes meant I got real feedback on my knife skills, flavor pairings, and plating every single day. I also appreciated the local industry connections, which made it possible for me to balance my education with real-world work. I now feel fully prepared for my next steps in the culinary industry." 

Successful graduates, who earn the industry-recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, will be job-ready for a wide range of food service employment opportunities, including school cafeterias, hospital kitchens, private households and restaurants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chefs and head cooks in Massachusetts earn a median hourly wage of $37.08 and an annual mean wage of $77,120. 

To apply to BCC, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/apply. For more information, email admissions@berkshirecc.edu.

 


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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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