Creating Wider Inclusion & Long Term Solutions
The Accessible Culinary Program is a Toronto based program managed by Owlware Ltd, a recognized social service agency serving Employment Ontario recipients.
We assist the disability community with employable entry level cooking & hospitality skills, including preparatory guidance for resumes, cover letters and interview skills.
The Program
The 2 week program occurs once a month, taking place at ‘The Stop’ in Wychwood Barns Toronto. The Accessible Culinary Program’ is a certificate program that offers Torontonian’s of all disabilities and backgrounds an immersive learning and work experience in the field of ‘Food & Hospitality’.
The Program
The 2 week program occurs once a month, taking place at ‘The Stop’ in Wychwood Barns Toronto. The Accessible Culinary Program’ is a certificate program that offers Torontontians of all disabilities and backgrounds an immersive learning and work experience in the field of ‘Food & Hospitality’.
Your Opportunity
- 79.5% of employment in Canada is represented within the Food Service Industry (2022
census)
- “Full- and limited-services restaurants are by far the largest segment, accounting for 93% of employment in 2021.” – canada.ca
There is an opportunity to fulfill these consistent hiring needs within the GTA at all times
- More than 1 in 5 Canadians have a Disability
Does this number seem represented in the everyday businesses you engage with?
The Accessible Culinary Program assists in facilitating and closing this job gap for persons with disabilities & employers.
Your Opportunity
- 79.55% of employment in Canada is in the Service Industry (2022 census)
- “Full- and limited-services restaurants are by far the largest segment, accounting for 93% of employment in 2021.” – canada.ca
There is an opportunity to fulfil these consistent hiring needs within the GTA at all times
- More than 1 in 5 Canadians have a Disability
Does this number seem represented in the everyday businesses you engage with?
The Accessible Culinary Program assists in facilitating and closing this job gap for persons with disabilities & employers.
“Doing this program has taught me many things about how to be patient with yourself as a disabled person. The industry is not always there for everybody who is disabled, but this program gave me the confidence to go out there and make a lifestyle and get a job.”
Barry S. (Participant)
“Doing this program has taught me many things about how to be patient with yourself as a disabled person. The industry is not always there for everybody who is disabled, but this program gave me the confidence to go out there and make a lifestyle and get a job.”
Barry S. (Participant)
What We Provide….
• Entry – Level food prep training in an industry standard kitchen
• Preparatory Services: Workshops in Resume & Cover Letters, Building Self Esteem,
Interviewing Skills and practical Work Experience
• Certifications in WHMIS and basic kitchen First Aid skills (HACCP and Food Handlers Available with Inquiry)
• Stock and Inventory control experience (FIFO)
• Customer service and Hospitality training
Qualifications
How To Apply
If you qualify for the no-cost culinary and preparatory work experience:
Please fill out the simple application here or submit your resume and a brief statement
as to why you would be a great candidate for the program to: april@owlware.com
How To Apply
If you qualify for the no-cost culinary and preparatory work experience:
Please fill out the simple application here or submit your resume and a brief statement
as to why you would be a great candidate for the program to: april@owlware.com
Testimonials
Michael is a GREAT addition to the team. He is very well received by all his coworkers and seems to be really enjoying himself. Very pleased with all aspects of his work ethic and morale that he brings to every shift.
Doing this program has taught me many things about how to be patient with yourself as a disabled person, because the industry is not always there for everybody who is disabled. But this program gave me the confidence to go out there and make a lifestyle and get a job
This program was a very good program. I did it for six weeks and I landed myself a job.
I live with two graduates and they are over the moon with pride. I’ve seen so much growth in both of their lives throughout the course of this program. I’ve seen transferable skills in terms of their ability in the kitchen. And I see so much confidence and personal growth when it comes to the ability to do a job interview. My roommate has landed a position… so this is incredible from my perspective
I would like to thank Chef for this awesome session this year. He was very kind….
It was just a great program and I really enjoyed it.
This is a wonderful program, especially for people really keen on different kinds of food skills…. It helped upgrade qualifications and gave the experience of working with another chef.
It was great for Julia, she loved it, and she was happy every time she came into this building
This is such an incredible incredible program. My brother Andrew had such an amazing experience. He’s met amazing people, everyones been so supportive, he’s learned so many great skills… I know he is going to go on to do great things with the skills he’s learned from Owlware.
Testimonials
Michael is a GREAT addition to the team. He is very well received by all his coworkers and seems to be really enjoying himself. Very pleased with all aspects of his work ethic and morale that he brings to every shift.
Doing this program has taught me many things about how to be patient with yourself as a disabled person, because the industry is not always there for everybody who is disabled. But this program gave me the confidence to go out there and make a lifestyle and get a job
This program was a very good program. I did it for six weeks and I landed myself a job.
I live with two graduates and they are over the moon with pride. I’ve seen so much growth in both of their lives throughout the course of this program. I’ve seen transferable skills in terms of their ability in the kitchen. And I see so much confidence and personal growth when it comes to the ability to do a job interview. My roommate has landed a position… so this is incredible from my perspective
I would like to thank Chef for this awesome session this year. He was very kind….
It was just a great program and I really enjoyed it.
This is a wonderful program, especially for people really keen on different kinds of food skills…. It helped upgrade qualifications and gave the experience of working with another chef.
It was great for Julia, she loved it, and she was happy every time she came into this building
This is such an incredible incredible program. My brother Andrew had such an amazing experience. He’s met amazing people, everyones been so supportive, he’s learned so many great skills… I know he is going to go on to do great things with the skills he’s learned from Owlware.
Our Story & Instructor
Through the collaboration of Owlware Ltd’s twenty plus years in uplifting the disability community, and the years of food service expertise from Chef Smiley, the ‘Accessible Culinary Program’ was developed to provide the disAbility community with basic entry level culinary skills and certification. Trainees acquire practical employment ready skills and learn how to prepare affordable health meals.
With over 20 years of success in Toronto, our lead instructor Chef Smiley is a distinct member of the disAbility community with years of experience delivering superior corporate catering and experience across multiple fine dining restaurants in the city.
Using The Stop’s kitchen at the Wychwood Barns, a charitable and community hub addressing food insecurity, the outcome of this program is to enable persons with disabilities a supportive training environment with the opportunity to excel basic industry kitchen skills while developing healthy cooking and work habits.
“The most profound part of this experience is working with other disabled individuals and observing their growth and helping them find purpose in work.On a personal level it has improved my morale, my health and has given me purpose to work again.” – Chef Smiley
OUR STORY & INSTRUCTOR
Through the collaboration of Owlware Ltd’s twenty plus years in uplifting the disability community, and the years of food service expertise from Chef Smiley, the ‘Accessible Culinary Program’ was developed to provide the disAbility community with basic entry level culinary skills and certification. Trainees acquire practical employment ready skills and learn how to prepare affordable healthy meals.
With over 20 years of success in Toronto, our lead instructor Chef Smiley is a distinct member of the disAbility community with years of experience delivering superior corporate catering and experience across multiple fine dining restaurants in the city.
Using The Stop’s kitchen at the Wychwood Barns, a charitable and community hub addressing food insecurity, the outcome of this program is to enable persons with disabilities an opportunity to excel basic industry kitchen skills, develop healthy cooking habits, and work.
“The most profound part of this experience is working with other disabled individuals and observing their growth and helping them find purpose in work.On a personal level it has improved my morale, my health and has given me purpose to work again.” – Chef Smiley
