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  • WHIRLIDOGS

    "The Power of Possibility"

    WhirliDogs Training Center is a nonprofit with the mission to open a café in Historic Downtown Wilson that will serve "Out-of-the-Box" hotdogs and ice cream specialties while offering employment and training opportunities for individuals with special needs.

  • WhirliDogs Academy Application

  • Description of each Academy:

  • WhirliDogs Prep Academy is an inclusive, hands-on training program where participants gain real-world kitchen experience while preparing a complete entrée to take home and share with their family. Each session introduces the vocabulary and expectations of a commercial kitchen, helping participants build confidence in a structured, supportive environment.Participants will learn to safely use kitchen equipment, follow step-by-step directions, and understand the importance of sanitation and food safety. After preparing their entrée, participants will take part in cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen, reinforcing professional habits and teamwork. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on communication, following supervisor guidance, and working collaboratively to complete tasks. The Prep Academy meets once a week for four sessions, with small class sizes of 6-8 participants to ensure individualized support. Graduates are encouraged to return for additional sessions as they continue building their skills and independence in the kitchen.
  • WhirliDogs ServSafe Academy is an inclusive, two-day training program designed for teenagers and young adults—with and without disabilities—who are preparing to enter the workforce, particularly in restaurant and food service settings. This program is ideal for first-time job seekers who want to better understand workplace expectations and build confidence before applying to local businesses.Participants will complete the industry-recognized ServSafe Food Handler certification, giving them a valuable credential and a competitive edge when seeking employment. The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on food preparation to reinforce key concepts in food safety and kitchen practices. In addition to technical skills, the academy focuses on essential workplace readiness, including teamwork, communication, networking, and job application strategies. The program runs from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM over two days, with the certification exam administered at the end of the second day. Read-aloud testing accommodations are available to support all learners.
  • Note: Attendance at a WhirliDog's Academy does not guarantee that the applicant will be able to work at the WhirliDogs Café.
  • Please complete the application with appropriate Signatures. After receiving the completed application the Program Manager will set up an introductory meeting.

  • APPLICANT INFORMATION

  • Date:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • DOB:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Person filling out application:
  • Which Academy are you applying:
  • Guardianship

  • Is the applicant their own legal guardian?
  • Who does he/she live with? (check one)
  • REFERENCES (Must provide at least 2 of the following)

  • Personal Reference
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • School Teacher or Para
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Other
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I give permission for the WhirliDogs Admissions Committee to contact any and/or all of the above references.
  • Date:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Date:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Getting to Know the Applicant

  • We would like to be able to help you meet your culinary goals at the WhirliDogs Training Center. Please answer the following questions.
  • Date:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Date:
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
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  • Should be Empty: