Trainees at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy in Novato, CA get a lot of practice with knife skills. Chef Instructor Andy Wild demonstrates various vegetable cuts and then keeps things active as Team Tomato and Team Carrot get to work!

In the 10-week course, students work hands-on in the kitchen to learn core skills for a career in the busy culinary industry. Culinary students build their skills in two Homeward Bound kitchens and are given the opportunity to work at Fresh Starts Chef Events, a series of celebrity chef dinners. The team also produces Wagster Treats dog biscuits and Halo HomeMades, a sister line of jams and salsas.

Photo courtesy of Fresh Starts Academy at Homeward Bound of Marin