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Implement an APCAEF Apprenticeship Program - Foodservice Establishments

ACFEF recognizes the need for structured training programs to maintain the highest level of skill and competency demanded in the foodservice industry.

The ACFEF apprenticeship program is a proven training program that provides chefs, trainers and instructors with a list of industry relevant knowledge and skills competencies across all kitchen stations. The competencies are reviewed and updated by the APCAEF Apprenticeship Committee to ensure trends and techniques are relevant and align with APCA certification requirements.

Apprentices will complete the skills competencies on-the-job under the guidance of a supervising chef and the knowledge competencies through courses on the APCA Online Learning Center. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices are eligible for APCA certification.

Benefits of Implementing an APCAEF Apprenticeship Program

  • Train staff to industry standards using a reputable program.
  • Increase staff retention as apprentices become committed employees.
  • Improve safety, productivity and profitability.
  • Develop a staff skilled in all kitchen stations to help fill gaps.
  • Expand recruitment opportunities by being listed on the APCA website as an ACFEF-recognized apprenticeship program.

ACFEF Apprenticeship Program Levels

ACFEF offers three different program levels with a progressive ladder and the corresponding APCA certification at the completion of that program. Apprentices must complete a written and practical exam at the end of their apprenticeship to earn APCA certification. APCA certification is encouraged, but not required for apprentices to complete the apprenticeship program.

  • Fundamentals Cook: the program offers a minimum of 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 90 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their APCA Certified Fundamental Cook or APCA Certified Fundamental Pastry Cook credential after completing the program and exams. This program is structured to fit into high school, workforce development programs and other pre-apprenticeship programs and does not require full-time employment.
  • Culinarian: the program offers a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 240 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their APCA Certified Culinarian or APCA Certified Pastry Culinarian credential after completing the program and exams.
  • Sous Chef: the program offers a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 420 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their APCA Certified Sous Chef or Certified Working Pastry Chef credential after completing the program and exams.

Requirements

  • Apprentices must be hired as full-time employees and receive regular progressive wages.
  • The establishment must provide sufficient opportunity for the apprentice to complete the on-the-job Required Skills Competencies across ten (10) OJT Sections.
  • Apprentices must work under the guidance of a qualified Supervising Chef.
  • Apprentices will log their hours and track skills competencies through the APCA Apprenticeship Portal.
  • Apprentices must complete the required Related Instruction through the APCA Online Learning Center.
  • An APCAEF industry evaluator will perform a site visit to validate that the requirements are met. The site visit may be conducted in-person, virtually or a combination of both.

Maintaining Recognition

  • Programs must submit an annual report to ensure database accuracy and maintenance fees.
  • First renewal is three (3) years from initial ACFEF recognition. Every renewal forward is five (5) years.

Program Fees

  • Initial application fee: $750 (includes proprietary RKSCs and site visit)
  • Renewal fee: $500 (includes site visit)
  • Annual maintenance fees: $75

Apprentice Fees*

  • Fundamental (1 year): $350
  • Culinarian (2 years): $650
  • Sous Chef (3 years): $950

* Apprentice fees include:

  • Related instruction courses on the APCA Online Learning Center
  • APCA Apprenticeship Portal access
  • APCA national student membership
  • Access to free webinars and recorded presentations on the APCA Online Learning Center
  • APCA certification fees for the corresponding level, including access to the practice written exam.
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