Start your career in food and hospitality.

If you are looking for an active, people-focused career our Food and Hospitality Career Foundations Course can help you get started. This tuition-free program prepares students for entry-level opportunities in restaurants, hotels, tourism and event services.

You will learn what employers expect, strengthen your customer service and workplace skills, prepare for industry credentials and receive support with your job search.

What’s great about this course?

  • Career exploration – Learn about employer expectations and opportunities available in food service, hospitality and customer-facing roles.
  • Industry credentials – Prepare for a Washington State Food Worker Card and certificates in customer service and workplace communication.
  • Practical workplace skills – Strengthen your teamwork, communication and leadership abilities.
  • Job search support – Get help with resumes, interviews and connections to potential employers.
  • No cost to you – Training is completely tuition-free.

Program Details

  • Start Date: November 16, 2026
  • Cost: Tuition-free
  • Length: 2 weeks
  • Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9am to 12pm
  • Frequency: Offered twice each year
  • Locations: Tacoma, Longview, South Lacey and Union Gap Work Opportunity Centers
  • Employer Engagement: The class schedule may occasionally change to accommodate employer engagement opportunities.

What You'll Learn

Industry Knowledge

  • Local food and hospitality career opportunities
  • Common entry-level positions and work schedules
  • Workplace expectations and hiring practices
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Strategies for succeeding in a fast-paced environment

Customer Service and Professional Skills

  • Customer service fundamentals
  • Workplace communication
  • Teamwork and leadership
  • Professional expectations
  • Peace Literacy and constructive communication

Digital and Career Skills

  • Basic digital skills
  • Cloud-based document management
  • Career interest assessment
  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • Self-directed job-search strategies

Industry Credentials

Build qualifications that can strengthen your resume and help you stand out to employers. Students will have the opportunity to prepare for or earn:

  • Washington State Food Worker Card
  • Workplace Communication Certificate
  • Customer Service Certificate

Who Is Eligible?

This program is designed for students who:

  • Can read, write and speak English at approximately a sixth-grade level
  • Can participate in the physical activities commonly required in food and hospitality settings, including lifting up to 25 pounds and standing for three to six hours
  • Have basic digital skills
  • Are 18 years of age or older

Why Take This Course?

Build the practical skills, credentials and confidence needed to begin a career in food and hospitality. You will learn what local employers expect, strengthen your customer service and teamwork skills, and receive support preparing for your job search.

Have additional questions? Email the Career Hub at careerhub@goodwillwa.org, call 253-573-6508 or complete the form below.

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