Becoming an Apprentice

You do not need any previous experience to enter into the ACFEF apprenticeship program. You need to be at least 17 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent to apply for apprenticeship. You will register with the U.S. Department of Labor and pay applicable apprentice registration fees. You will also join ACF (American Culinary Federation) as a Student Culinarian member through graduation when you receive all the benefits of membership from regional events to cooking competitions.

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. This mentor will take you through 10 stations that over time will include all aspects of what a professional chef needs to know to become qualified and ACF certified. You will also take 445 hours of related instruction that may be in a college classroom or online depending on your program.

There are many people to help you get started at the ACF national office. Give us a call or email us for more information. Apprenticeship@acfchefs.net / 800-624-9458

Or go to our FAQ's page for more questions and answers

We value our apprentices and want to help you succeed! Take a look at one of our apprenticeship programs in action.

See you in the kitchen!

For more information, please email us at Apprenticeship@acfchefs.net or call us at (800) 624-9458.