How To Earn While You Learn From A Culinary Apprenticeship
Due to tough economic hard times, it's getting even more difficult to find a good job, even in a hot career market like the culinary arts. One way to polish up your career resume is to work a culinary apprenticeship. If you have ever wanted to know about culinary apprenticeship programs then you need to read this article on how to choose a culinary apprenticeship.
What Is A Culinary Apprenticeship?
Culinary apprenticeships are basically old fashioned "OJT" or on-the-job training. You are essentially getting your education from working on a job with more experienced culinary professionals. Good culinary apprenticeship programs provide hands-on experiences and practical culinary skills. Since culinary apprenticeship programs are actually working positions, federal law requires that an apprenticeship earn at least minimum wage.
Many people think of it as a "free education" when you compare how much a traditional culinary education can cost but this can be misleading. Working full time or part time in a hotel or restaurant line kitchen is no walk in the park. You may not be tested by reading books or writing papers; you will be put through your paces learning new things as you rotate though each station.
How to Choose a Culinary Apprenticeship
The best way to find reputable culinary apprenticeship programs is find one that is registered with US Dept of Labor. One such program is one operated by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is the leading professional association for chefs and cooks. It was the American Culinary Federation (ACF) that was instrumental in elevating the position of executive chef to its current "professional" status with the US government.
The ACF currently operates a 2 or 3 year culinary apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction. While the ACF operates the premier culinary apprenticeship system, you can find alternative programs as long as they have the following requirements.
- Are registered with the US Department of Labor, Check with the Dept of Labor for a list of approved culinary apprenticeships.
- Allows you to apply directly for an apprenticeship position at the sponsoring restaurant, hotel or resort.
- Maintain a "logbook" system or something similar. This allows you to provide a record of proof of the hours you worked and what culinary skills you developed along the way.
- Allows you to "earn while you learn"
- Personal mentoring from a certified professional chef
- Opportunities to visit local markets, food shops or food industry events
While a culinary apprenticeship is not for everyone, it can a very affordable way for a culinary student to gain a valuable culinary education while working their way to the career of their dreams.
