Union Kitchen Career Development Program
Do you receive SNAP benefits?
Join Union Kitchen’s FREE Career Development Program (CDP)—a 12-week, hands-on career training experience designed to help you become a top candidate in the food, hospitality, distribution, and manufacturing sectors.
Real-World Training for Career Pathways
Our program is grounded in hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge. We’ve supported hundreds of food businesses across hospitality, manufacturing, and distribution—so we know what employers are looking for and how to help you build the skills to succeed. Based on your interests and goals, you’ll have the opportunity to train in real-world environments like Union Kitchen stores, production kitchens, and partner warehouses. This experience gives you the confidence and practical knowledge to take the next step in your career.
What You’ll Learn
By joining our career development program, you’ll get one-on-one coaching and job support every step of the way. Here are some highlights of what you'll receive:
- Career Coaching
- Wrap Around Services
- Personalized Support & Job Connections
- Industry Certifications
- Self paced resource guides
Apprenticeship opportunities
Career Coaching
Our team offers personalized advice and regular check-ins to help you navigate the job market with confidence. We'll review your resume, help you write targeted cover letters, and practice for upcoming job interviews.
Personalized Support
You’ll receive one-on-one mentoring throughout the program, with regular check-ins to help you stay on track and build confidence.
Job Connections
We’ll highlight potential employers across the Union Kitchen ecosystem and you’ll have access to our live job directory, updated multiple times each week with 10–20 new openings—giving you a simple, convenient way to explore real opportunities as you grow your skills.
Apprenticeships
For those interested, we offer apprenticeships in three real-world settings: Union Kitchen stores, our shared manufacturing facility, and District Distribution’s warehouse and distribution center—providing hands-on experience in retail, production, and logistics.
Industry Certifications
We offer nationally-recognized certifications such as servsafe Food Safety Handler, CPR/First-Aid, and more to add qualifications to your resume.Wrap Around Services
We work with amazing partner organizations to provide wrap-around services including things like professional clothing attire and laptop loaners.
Get In Touch!
Flexible Learning Designed for You
Our 12-week program is designed to fit your life. Whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning, we meet you where you are.
You can attend in-person workshops and training sessions at Union Kitchen stores, our shared manufacturing kitchen, or our partner warehouse. Or, you can complete key parts of the curriculum from home with live support and coaching.
Choose the format that works best for your schedule, your goals, and your life.
Program Locations
📍 Union Kitchen 3rd Street | 538 3rd St NE DC
📍 Union Kitchen - Eckington | 1625 Eckington Pl NE DC
📍 Union Kitchen - Barracks Row | 430 8th St SE DC
📍 Union Kitchen - 9th St | 1251 9th St NW DC
📍 Union Kitchen - Ballston | 4104 Wilson Blvd Arlington VA
📍 District Distribution | 5050 Lawrence Pl, Hyattsville MD
Discover the Union Kitchen Ecosystem Advantage
Our program is effective because it’s deeply embedded in the Union Kitchen ecosystem of stores, manufacturing facility, and partners like District Distribution.
We don’t just teach skills—we create real connections between training and career opportunities.
Since 2014, we’ve helped hundreds of SNAP participants move beyond short-term jobs to build meaningful careers in food, hospitality, and logistics, each with their own unique stories and aspirations. Through Union Kitchen, you’ll meet entrepreneurs, employers, and mentors who understand what it takes to succeed. You’ll see how your skills translate into real workplace settings—and gain direct access to a network that supports your long-term growth.
We specialize in careers in Warehousing & Distribution, Food Manufacturing & Production, Retail
