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Has a career in the kitchen always sounded enticing? Get started on your big future with Gateway’s Culinary apprenticeship! You’ll learn to master basic and advanced culinary techniques in addition to gaining real-world skills like menu planning, purchasing, cost control and supervision. With the extensive hands-on experience you gain in the classroom and on the job, you’ll be fully prepared to begin a food service position in various establishments, from hotels to restaurants to private clubs.

  • Earn up to $23.10 an hour as an established baker, line cook or prep cook.
  • Over 6,240 hours of blended on-the-job and classroom training provides a solid foundation for your Culinary career.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • In the last year of your apprenticeship, you’ll take a Transition-to-Trainer course to prepare you to share your skills with others and take on a position of leadership in your field. 

Qualifications

You must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to physically perform the work, including standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 pounds, handle loud noises and have a valid driver’s license.

Get started as a Culinary Apprentice

  1. You need to be in an apprenticeship program with your employer and should apply directly to employers, if you are not employed as an apprentice.  
    1. Gateway’s Career and Employment Services team can provide assistance.
    2. Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also offers employment information for prospective apprentices.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an apprentice application to Wisconsin’s DWD. You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  3. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application (Form #1488) and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935.
  4. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  5. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-316-3 Culinary Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Culinary Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf