The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) a grant totaling $481,200 for the ACFEF Apprenticeship Program.The grant was awarded as part of a funding effort called Advancing Registered Apprenticeship in the 21st Century: Collaborating for Success. The grants aim to assist national industry and employer associations and labor management organizations in advancing registered apprenticeship through the development of innovative programs using an updated framework. All told, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded a total of $6,499,992 to 11 organizations.
The ACFEF currently has 60 apprenticeship programs throughout the United States with 689 registered apprentices. The ACFEF Apprenticeship Program incorporates 10 on-the-job learning stations and an educational component, concluding with an associate degree in either culinary arts or pastry arts. Upon graduation, each apprentice is given the opportunity to verify his or her skills by testing for an ACF professional certification.
