UNION KITCHEN

Career Development Program

A 12-week, self-guided path to your next job

Download the workbook

Welcome to your Career Development Program

We're so glad you're here. This free training and job readiness program is designed to help you take the next step in your career.

Over the next 12 weeks you'll build real skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and put together everything you need to land a job: a resume, a cover letter, and LinkedIn and Indeed profiles. Mentors who care about your success will be with you along the way.

This workbook is written so you can work through it on your own. Every week has a short lesson, examples, and a worksheet.

FLEXIBLE WAYS TO TAKE PART

We know you have a lot on your plate, so the program works around your schedule. You can join online, in person, or a mix of both. We host workshops and one-on-one sessions at our locations.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. You've already taken the hardest step: starting.

How this workbook works

Think of this workbook as your textbook for the program. Each week builds on the one before, so work through it in order.

  1. 1

    READ

    Start each week with its opening page. It tells you what you'll learn and gives you a short to-do list.

  2. 2

    WATCH

    Each week opens with a short video. Scan the QR code with your phone camera, or tap it if you’re reading on your phone.

  3. 3

    DO

    Complete the worksheet. Type into this PDF, print it and write by hand, or answer the same questions in the online form.

  4. 4

    CHECK IN

    You'll get one to two emails a week with extra resources. Bring your questions to your weekly check-in with your coach.

Your 12 weeks

Weeks 1–4 build your plan.

Weeks 5–8 build your job search toolkit.

Weeks 9–11 put it to work.

WEEK 12

Next Steps

Your coach will share

Your four program outcomes

Everything in this program leads to four outcomes. Check them off as you reach them. Your coach tracks them too.

  1. 1

    GET ENROLLED

    Sign your program agreement and your Individual Employment Plan (IEP) with your coach.

    • Program agreement signed
    • IEP signed
  2. 2

    BUILD YOUR TOOLKIT

    Finish the four pieces employers look for. You'll build them in Weeks 5–8.

    • Resume (Week 5)
    • Cover letter (Week 6)
    • LinkedIn profile (Week 7)
    • Indeed profile (Week 8)
  3. 3

    EARN CERTIFICATIONS

    You can earn up to two free certifications. The goal is at least one. See page 5 to choose.

  4. 4

    GET HIRED

    Land a job. When you get an offer, tell your coach so we can support you in your first weeks.

Free resources for you

As a participant you get free certifications and more.

Certifications

We asked employers in our network what they look for when hiring. These are the credentials they value most:

  • ServSafe Food Handler. A must for food service and hospitality. Covers food safety basics.
  • Red Cross CPR. Adult, child and baby.
  • CareerSafe OSHA General Industry. Great for warehouse, logistics and production jobs.

HOW TO SIGN UP

You can earn up to two. Tell your coach which ones you're interested in, and our team will coordinate your enrollment with you.

Anytime resources

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

How-tos, tips and inspiration.

youtube.com/@UKCDP-u5y

LOCAL JOBS DIRECTORY

New local job listings, updated several times a week. Your coach will send you the latest link.