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• Starting An Apprenticeship Program
• Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start an apprenticeship program?
You will need to know which type of apprenticeship program best fits your organization. ACFEF offers four types. You then will need to decide where the apprentice will be working and how best to deliver the related instruction. You will need to register with the US Department of Labor and apply to become a program with the ACFEF.

How do I apply to become a program?
When you follow this link, Step 4 takes you to the application form and the requirements to become a program.

Who can be a Program Coordinator?
A Program Coordinator is assigned to oversee the ACFEF Apprenticeship Program at each location. This person works with an apprenticeship committee, supervising chefs, apprentices and a local postsecondary school to assure that the program is operating in compliance with the ACFEF national guidelines

What is a Chapter model?
Program models that fall under the chapter category, including Chapter Model, Educational Institution Model and Major Employer Model, are sponsored by a local ACF Chapter and are maintained by a program coordinator and chapter volunteers.

What is a Corporate model?
The Corporate Model is only for large corporations or employers and is administered by a program coordinator at the facility, usually a human resources director. Corporate Models have no connection to a local chapter and are part of ACF's National Chapter.

How do I know whether to become a Chapter Program or a Corporate Program?
There are four models to choose from depending on whether or not you choose a Chapter Program or Corporate Program. Unless you are a large corporation, in most cases, you will be a Chapter program.

What are the program types to choose from?
There are 4 types of programs available depending on the program chosen. A 2 year, 3 year or Hybrid program is available. There is also a 1,000 hour Culinary Skills Fundamentals program.

What is a sponsoring house?
A sponsoring house is the establishment that provides the kitchen space and supervising chef where the apprentice will work.

What does 'related instruction' mean?
An apprentice will need a minimum of 445 educational instruction hours in 11 competencies areas outside of the kitchen. These are designed to give the apprentice the learning experience beyond the hands-on kitchen experience. It is recommended that the apprentice spend a minimum number of classroom hours in each of the competency areas of related instruction.

How long does an apprenticeship program take to complete?
There is a 4,000 hour (2 years) and a 6,000 hour (3 years) program depending on your organization. There is also a Hybrid which is no less than 4,000 hours and no more than 6,000 hours. A basic skills program is available covering what is needed to begin a culinary career that is 1,000 hours.

Why do I need to contact the U.S. Department of Labor?
The ACFEF partnered with the US Department of Labor. In order to become a recognized apprenticeship program you must register with the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (OA) or State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). You will need to submit your apprenticeship standards. There are two links to direct you to the state DOL contact depending on your state when you follow this link.

Who do I contact at the Department of Labor to find out about registering my program with the DOL?

Office of Apprenticeship State Offices Contact Information

State Apprenticeship Agencies Contact Information

Is there an ACFEF Operations Manual on requirements to give me step by step instructions and descriptions?
Yes. When you become a program you will receive a copy of the Operation Manual that gives step-by-step standards and guidelines.

Are there any fees associated with starting a program?
Yes, there are fees associated with becoming an apprenticeship program based on the administration of the program by ACF at the national office. The program will receive a listing on the ACF website and fees are applied to maintaining Department of Labor recognition for the ACF. Follow this link to the actual fees.

Is there a 6 Month Program?
Yes, this is the 1,000 hour (6 months or longer) educational and hands on training using the ACFEF logbook as a guide. 30 hours of sanitation are included. This program teaches apprentices the basic skills needed to begin a culinary career. They will receive a certificate upon completion and a sanitation certificate. There is a registration to submit and fees associated.

Who do I contact at the ACF national office in the education department for more information and to help me get started?
apprenticeship@acfchefs.net
Please contact us with any questions!

How do I become an apprentice?
Contact the program in the state you want to work in by going to Find a Program then you will be on your way to either a 2 year or 3 year hands-on education in a professional kitchen working and being paid for full-time work alongside your supervising chef.

Why become an apprentice?
You will earn while you learn in a real kitchen! You will join American Culinary Federation (ACF) as a Student Culinarian member through graduation with all of the benefits of membership. You will also be pursuing a career with the highest standards of teaching in the culinary industry.

Do I have to have experience to be an apprentice?
No, none at all. You just need to be at least 17 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent to apply for apprenticeship.

What will I learn?
You will work through 10 different stations in a kitchen and the food production will need to be a minimum of 51% scratch at all times. You will spend a required number of hours in each station and you will never be stuck in one station in a kitchen all the time. So you will be learning real skills from knife skills to baking, sauces to grilling and everything needed to meet the standards of being a Certified Culinarian or even a Certified Sous Chef.

Are there special requirements to be an apprentice?
Only that you find a program and register as an ACFEF apprentice through that program. But there are many people to help you get started at the ACF national office. Contact us! apprenticeship@acfchefs.net

What does it cost to be in the ACFEF apprenticeship program?
There is a registration fee and a Student membership fee depending on how long your program is.

How long does it take to go through the ACFEF apprenticeship program?
There are 4 types of programs but most programs are either 2 years or 3 years.

Will I earn an income while I am learning to become a chef?
Yes! You will be paid regular wages and receive raises as you go through the program.

Where will I work as an apprentice?
You will work in a professional kitchen called the "Sponsoring House". This may be a chain restaurant or an individual restaurant. It might be an adult living community or a hospital or educational institution. ACFEF apprenticeship standards require you learn much more than the basics and that your training be in a professional kitchen.

Do I go to school while I am in the ACFEF apprenticeship program?
Yes you do. You will be required to complete 445 hours of related instruction courses outside of your hands-on experience. These courses are related to what you will be leaning in the kitchen and you will take these classes around your work schedule in the kitchen. Your program coordinator will take care of this for you.

Do I need to be an ACF member to go through the apprenticeship program?
You will join ACF (American Culinary Federation) as a Student Culinarian member through graduation and you receive all the benefits of membership from regional events to cooking competitions throughout your membership.

Who do I contact at the ACF national office in the education department for more information and to help me get started?
For more information, please email us at Apprenticeship@acfchefs.net

How do I find a Program?
Go to the Find a Program link and select a state to find an ACFEF Apprenticeship program that best suits your location needs. Within the state are ACF programs and their locations with the contact information for the program coordinator or chairperson. Once you contact them, they will be able to give you more information about what apprenticeship programs they sponsor and the types of programs they are.

What are the graduation requirements?
Upon completion of a two or three year apprenticeship program, the apprentice is required to pass a written and a practical test for ACF certification. There are four possible certifications: certified culinarian (CC), certified pastry culinarian (CPC), certified sous chef (CSC) or certified working pastry chef (CWPC).