is it helpful having your supervising
chef update your progress online?
rb: Yes, it’s nice that my chef can log
into the portal to check my status,
update and approve logbooks, and
make suggestions to help me along
the way.
how do you think learning about
sustainability will help you in
the future?
rb: Many restaurants and companies
are incorporating more sustainability
commitments. Adding this subject to
the apprenticeship program is a huge
benefit. We will already be established
and have a better background in
sustainability by the time we start
our careers.
what are your plans for the future?
rb: After graduation, I will further
my education by going to school to
study nutrition. I also hope to one day
open my own restaurant, focusing on
traditional Italian dishes and offering
a selection of healthier menu items.
Through the ACF program, I can also
become certified in two years. ACF is
already helping me achieve my goals.
would you recommend the ACFEF
Apprenticeship Program to others?
rb: Yes, I would highly recommend
the program to students who are
considering a career in culinary arts.
The advisors are hands-on and want
to see you succeed. My program is
small, which means I receive personal
attention. Learning while going to
school and working is beneficial, and
gives me a better understanding of
what to expect later.
what do you think are the biggest
challenges in the culinary field today?
rb: As a chef, you need to do
what’s best for the environment, your
business and the consumer. The
culinary field is often demanding
and hectic. You need to be organized
and well-equipped. One of the
biggest challenges will always be
trying to satisfy consumers. Everyone
wants something new and exciting.
But all of these things are also what
makes culinary arts so interesting.
what aspects of the apprenticeship
program will new apprentices find
most useful?
rb: If someone is completely new
to culinary, like I was, I suggest they
take the opportunity to become an
apprentice. I regret not attending a
vocational school in high school, but
the opportunity I have now is one
I couldn’t pass up. Once you get
involved with ACF, the possibilities
are endless.
for more information:
To learn more about the ACFEF
Apprenticeship Program, visit
www.acfchefs.org and select
“schools” then “apprenticeships.”
