Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Job Corps Culinary Training Programs Granted Quality Program Status by ACF Education Foundation

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), the educational arm of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America, recently granted renewal Quality Program status to all Job Corps culinary training programs across the United States, a total of 87. Approval was awarded Oct. 19 and is valid for five years.
 

ACFEF Quality Program status is a recognition earned by non-degree-granting culinary programs that offer training and education but do not meet qualification requirements for ACFEF accreditation. To receive the status, facilities must submit an application and supporting documents, which are then reviewed by a committee. Next, a team of professional chefs conduct a site visit to determine if the education described is properly delivered. Initial Quality Program status is granted for three years. Facilities can apply for renewal, which is granted for five years. The ACFEF Quality Program status allows organizations to brand their course of study with the ACFEF logo and name, increasing marketability and public trust.

Job Corps, a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. Its culinary training includes instruction on the following topics: introduction to the foodservice industry; culinary professionalism; CPR and first aid training; ServSafe training; culinary math; ingredient identification; sustainability; time management; and culinary tools and equipment. In addition, students learn about soups and sauces, recipe development and menu planning, various cooking techniques, baking, purchasing and inventory, knife skills, nutrition and more. For more info, visit www.jobcorps.gov.