ACFEF Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training (OJT/OJL) with related classroom instruction (RTI) and requires no previous experience to enroll.
The ACFEF apprenticeship program equips chefs, trainers, and instructors with industry-relevant knowledge and skill competencies across all kitchen stations, ensuring apprentices gain the education, skills, and job experience needed for better career opportunities and higher wages. Upon successful completion, apprentices are eligible to earn ACF certification.
Strategic Partnership Between ACFEF and Rouxbe
In fall 2025, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) and Rouxbe Global Food Group formed a strategic partnership to transform culinary workforce development through technology-enabled apprenticeship programs.
Rouxbe powers the ACFEF apprenticeship programs by providing the complete digital infrastructure for apprentice success. This includes:
- Delivering all Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through Rouxbe’s proprietary Learning Management System
- Streamlining apprenticeship administration through ApprentiScope, the Nationally Recognized Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) that replaces the previous ACF Portal
- Tracking on-the-job hours and training progress
- Managing apprentice enrollment and progress monitoring throughout their journey
Through this collaboration, apprentices can earn industry-standard ACF certifications, including:
- Certified Fundamentals Cook and Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook
- Certified Culinarian and Certified Pastry Culinarian
- Certified Sous Chef and Certified Working Pastry Chef
These programs combine hands-on workplace training with structured online learning delivered by Rouxbe, creating clear career pathways in the culinary profession.
Comprehensive Program Administration
ACFEF’s Role
The ACFEF is the leader of the apprenticeship program, and Rouxbe will be powering the components for the apprentices to complete. ACF will administer the written and the practical tests.
- Supports apprentices with questions regarding the ACFEF Apprenticeship Program requirements and standards
- Maintains program standards and quality oversight
- Administers and proctors certification examinations (written and practical)
- Awards official ACF certifications upon successful program completion
- Collaborates on joint funding opportunities and grant applications
- Supports recruitment through ACF’s extensive professional network and channels
Rouxbe’s Role
The Rouxbe team will be supporting the apprentice through completing all of the required technical instruction, while supporting the apprentice and employer with the tracking of the on-the-job hours and on-the-job training.
- Enrolls and manages apprentices throughout their journey
- Delivers all ACFEF-approved Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through its proprietary Learning Management System—accessible at the apprentice’s own pace on any device
- Tracks ACF National Guideline Standards, the industry’s gold standard competency development, and Department of Labor compliance through ApprentiScope technology
- Provides ongoing student support and progress monitoring
- Rouxbe will collect all apprentice and ACF student membership fees, and membership will be issued by ACF
Contact Rouxbe for more information at apprenticeship@rouxbe.com.
Existing apprenticeship programs can earn third-party credibility and access to ACF benefits.
Train staff and increase retention by implementing an apprenticeship program.
Add an apprenticeship program and give students on-the-job experience.
Participate in an earn-while-you-learn program and gain industry-relevant skills.
Track culinary skills and reinforce competencies through easy-to-understand text and images.
Access related instruction courses and additional content, such as recorded webinars and demonstrations.
Digital Badges
Apprenticeship goes digital. Validate and share your program’s recognition status on the online marketplace. Learn More
History
ACFEF Apprenticeship was started in 1974 by Jack Braun, CEC, AAC, HOF, Ferdinand Metz, CMC, WGMC, AAC, HOF, and L. Edwin Brown, HAAC, HHOF. The ACFEF Apprenticeship Committee created a set of national guidelines for apprenticeship standards that were originally registered with the U.S. Department of Labor in 1979 and are continually updated to remain pertinent. In 2012, the program received the 21st Century Registered Trailblazers and Innovators Award by the U.S. Department of Labor for its partnership with the U.S. Army.