A program to train city residents for jobs in the booming hospitality industry will hold a two-day job training session on January 20 and 21.

Run by the Paterson Task Force for Community Action, a non-profit, the program seeks to equip city residents for restaurant jobs.

“We are providing this training course in response to business need within the community,” Executive Director of the task force Lana Stokes said. “With an unemployment rate of over 12% within the City, we need to create programs that will provide the employability skills and an outlet to get jobs.”

Dubbed “Learn to Serve” the program is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Retail, Tourism and Hospitality Talent Network, the Brownstone, the New Jersey Department of Labor, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which provides funding for the program.

“This course is much needed within our industry,” co-owner of the Brownstone Albert Manzo said. “Each establishment has its own systems in place for staff; however, there are basics that each restaurant, catering facility and the hospitality industry all use.”

City residents who are unemployed and meet the income eligibility guideline will be able to attend the two-day program free of charge, according to the task force.

“Most look at waiters and waitresses as a dead end job; however, persons who seek this as a career can make upwards of $70,000-$80,000.00 a year,” Manzo said.

Space is limited interested residents should contact the Paterson Task Force at 973-279-2333 to enroll.