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

City Colleges of Chicago, the Navigate Foundation, and Pyramid Workwise Alliance (PWA), have launched a new culinary pre-apprenticeship program with the hopes of developing the city’s next group of stand-out chefs.

This summer, students ages 18-24, began coursework at Kennedy-King College’s Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute. They received rigorous hands-on training and personal coaching in world-class facilities, learning both culinary and soft skills.

The program will run for 14 weeks. At its completion, students will have earned an Advanced Certificate (AC) in culinary arts. In January, students have the option to advance to the apprenticeship phase as they work toward their associate degree in culinary arts at Kennedy-King. The goal is to welcome a new cohort of students each semester to build a clear pathway for future culinary professionals.

This partnership brings together the strengths of three established organizations: Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s proven record of preparing students for success in restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses; the Navigate Foundation’s mission to empower youth through professional development, technical training, and mentorship; and PWA’s essential role in providing funding, site visits, and wraparound services. Through this pre-apprenticeship program, Kennedy-King, Navigate, and PWA are breaking down barriers to employment and creating an accessible pathway into the culinary field for all Chicagoans.