Culinary Professionals Training Program | The Jewish Agency - U.S.Culinary Professionals Training Program

Culinary Professionals Training Program

We are pleased to announce the inauguration of a new employment program to encourage the aliyah of culinary professionals.

The program is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Gvahim organization, Be Chef College, and the Jewish Agency.

Program description and components:

The program offers new immigrants from all over the world the opportunity to build careers in Israel and enter the Israeli job market through culinary training. Chefs are in high demand in Israel; on the completion of training, program participants will be qualified for work in the field. Israel has a shortage of chefs, especially in the big cities where hotel chains and upscale restaurants are located.

Program components:

  • Housing throughout the program in a Jewish Agency facility – the Sapir Kiryat Yam Absorption Center (subsidized)
  • Hebrew language studies – Ulpan Aleph (beginner level course) – 5 months
  • Professional training in the culinary arts at Be Chef College – 10 months
  • Course graduates who pass governmental exams will receive a Ministry of Labor certificate – Chef Level 1 – and a professional certificate from Be Chef College.
  • The Fattal, Isrotel, and Dan hotel chains are interested in hiring graduates of the course once the training has been completed.

Target population and criteria:

The maximum number of program participants is 15. Participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Eligible for aliyah
  • Aliyah by the end of May 2024
  • High school education
  • Up to age 55
  • Applicants must pass an entrance exam and undergo an admissions interview.

Costs and housing:

Through the duration of the program, participants will live at the Sapir Kiryat Yam Absorption Center:

  • Singles in studio apartments with roommates – NIS 800, electricity not included.
  • Couples in studio apartments – NIS 1150, electricity not included
  • Families in 2-room apartments – NIS 1650, electricity not included

Program operation:

  • The program represents a major investment; all participants are expected to continue with it from beginning to end.
  • A non-justified withdrawal is a breach of program terms for which the withdrawing participant will be fined NIS 5,000.
  • The program is not open to returning residents, gorerei zaka’ut (former olim who left before the timetable on their oleh rights ran out), or any other candidates who resided, made aliyah, or were born in Israel, or to candidates who arrive late or prematurely by more than a month and a half.
  • The program and its various components (Hebrew ulpan studies, professional training, job placement, etc.) is intended for the program participants only and not for their spouses.
  • All entitlements and benefits (including costs) are valid for the program dates specified in this document.

The program, or parts of it, are subject to minor change.

Applications and requests for additional information should be submitted to: aliyah@israelcentre.co.za