Asylum seekers finding culinary dream job through a Brooklyn nonprofit program

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) – Giorgi Tabukashvili, a recent migrant from Georgia, has found his culinary dream through a paid apprenticeship program offered by the nonprofit Emma's Torch in Brooklyn.

"It was my, like, dream from my childhood, but in Georgia, I was in a different industry, and as I came here, I decided to go to my dreams," Tabukashvili said.

Upon arriving in New York City, Tabukashvili encountered difficulties securing employment, but after a simple Google search, he came across the Emma's Torch training program.

"I tried to find job, but it's not easy, so it takes, uh, some time. So, fortunately, I found Emma's Torch," he explained.

The 11-week program offers up to 440 hours of comprehensive culinary training. Students learn essential kitchen skills, food safety, and communication. In addition to the hands-on training, the program provides English classes, job readiness workshops, and connections to potential employers.

Participants also gain real-world experience by preparing food for Emma's Torch café, and upon completion, they are connected with jobs at participating restaurants. For Tabukashvili, the program represents an "edging nearer to his vision."

"I get some experience. I'm learning a lot every day. So I have great mentors, great chefs, and I'm happy that I'm here," he said.

Emma's Torch Chief Human Resources Officer and New York Director, Dr. Kira O'Brien, said the program promotes culinary inclusion. However, a key challenge is turning away individuals without the required work authorization.

"There's so many of our newest New Yorkers who are ready to work, eager, who want to contribute to our economy, and we have the restaurant partners that want to hire them, but without that work authorization, they're just languishing, and that's one of the biggest barriers we're hoping gets addressed soon," O'Brien explains.

While the program equips Tabukashvili with top-tier culinary expertise to kickstart his food industry career, he can't help but think that he's turning that childhood dream into reality.

"I'm more confident now, and I'm sure that I will find a good job," Tabukashvili said optimistically.

To apply for the training program, go to emmastorch.org/program.