A New Pre-Apprenticeship is Empowering Chicago’s Next Culinary Leaders

Summary

City Colleges of Chicago, in collaboration with the Navigate Foundation and Pyramid Workwise Alliance, has launched a culinary pre-apprenticeship program aimed at training Chicago's future chefs. The 14-week program provides students aged 18-24 with hands-on training and personal coaching at Kennedy-King College’s Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute, culminating in an Advanced Certificate in culinary arts.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to create accessible pathways into the culinary profession for all Chicagoans, demonstrating the importance of pre-apprenticeship programs in addressing workforce development and training needs in the hospitality industry.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This development is significant as it not only prepares participants for immediate employment but also creates a structured pathway into registered apprenticeship programs within the culinary arts. Programs like this are essential for building a skilled workforce and enhancing career opportunities in trades and hospitality.