START
To release a new policy.
Effective upon release of this policy, the Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START) Case Managers (SCMs) may refer eligible START participants to the Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) for one of the following Education and Training (EDU) activities:
All HTA EDU activities provide participants with classroom instruction, hands-on training, work readiness preparation, industry-recognized certification, and employment placement opportunities.
HTA operates with year-round enrollment, allowing the SCMs to screen and refer START participants on an ongoing basis. START participants who meet the requirements for referral to an HTA EDU activity must complete the HTA Assessment before enrolling in an HTA EDU activity.
The HTA Assessment is the mandatory multi-day evaluation conducted at the HTA headquarters. It consists of three phases:
Although the assessment is three days, START participants are assigned to the HTA Assessment activity for up to three weeks, allowing sufficient time for them to complete each phase of the assessment. The exact duration of each phase depends on HTA's scheduling and availability.
START participants who actively engage in HTA activities may also qualify for supportive services, including transportation assistance and other ancillary support.
The policies and procedures for the HTA activity are in alignment with the START Program policies and the provider's requirements.
The START Program partners with non-government organizations to provide participants with opportunities to gain the skills and experience needed to secure and maintain livable-wage jobs. These partnerships support long-term career growth and economic stability by offering industry-specific training, certification, and direct pathways to employment.
HTA is a non-profit organization that offers free apprenticeship and training programs for low-income and marginalized individuals. HTA's programs provide participants with hands-on training, introductory culinary skills courses, job preparation taught by top chefs, recognized certifications, and opportunities for employment placement.
The START Program and HTA partnership allows for the direct referral of START participants to HTA's current and future training programs.
Apprenticeship
Training includes a combination of classroom instruction and practical hands-on work in a fully equipped training kitchen with distinguished chef instructors. It is an eight-week program that is free to participants, and most apprentices start working in high-paying jobs with benefits shortly after completing the training.
Electronic File Transfer (EFT)
A procedure that follows an electronic format and protocol to safely and securely exchange different types of data.
An employment eligibility verification form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States (U.S.). All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the U.S. This includes citizens and aliens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.
START
A program that provides work-readiness services to help General Relief participants find and retain employment. Effective June 2023, the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) Program was rebranded as the START Program. Although the name has changed, some forms and system screens will continue to use GROW until the system is updated.
Hospitality Industry Training and Education Fund
The legal name under which the HTA operates.
HTA
A non-profit organization that provides various workforce development services, apprenticeship, and training programs to prepare low-income, marginalized individuals for jobs in the hospitality and culinary arts industries. HTA has two office locations. The headquarters and barista lab are located at 1150 South Olive Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The HTA Kitchen is located at 1234 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006.
HTA EDU Activities
START EDU activities provided by HTA, including, but not limited to Prep Cook, Line Cook, and Barista.
Livable Wage Job
Employment that pays enough to cover a person's basic needs, including housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, while allowing for a decent standard of living without needing to rely on public assistance.
Pre-Apprenticeship
A structured training program where participants learn essential skills and basic knowledge designed to prepare them for a complete apprenticeship program.
Selective Service
A system under which male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 are mandated to report for military service in case a national emergency requires rapid expansion of the Armed Forces.
HTA Screening
The SCMs must use the ABP 4080, Hospitality Training Academy Pre-Screening Questionnaire, to screen START participants who wish to pursue careers in the hospitality or culinary arts industries. START participants are suitable to be referred if they:
HTA Referral
The SCMs must complete the ABP 4081, Hospitality Training Academy Referral, to refer START participants to HTA.
START participants must sign the ABCDM 228, Applicant's Authorization for Release of Information, to allow the START staff to share their information with HTA.
HTA Assessment
The SCMs must submit the ABP 4081 and ABCDM 228 to HTA through the EFT before they assign the START participant to the HTA Assessment activity on CalSAWS.
HTA Prep Cook, HTA Line Cook, HTA Barista Enrollment
START participants must complete the multi-day HTA Assessment and be accepted by HTA to participate in the HTA EDU activities.
Upon receiving a referral from the START staff, the HTA staff will provide the SCM or START Supervisors (SS) updates of the START participant's progress in the HTA Assessment or HTA EDU activity through the EFT:
HTA Assessment
HTA Participant Progress Log:
HTA EDU Activity
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