Navigate Culinary Apprenticeship at Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute

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Website Navigate Foundation

Start your career in culinary!

Rolling admissions, apply early to move forward in the application process. Program starts Fall 2026

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About the program

The Navigate Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship gives you paid, hands-on training in professional kitchens while completing your classes at Kennedy-King College’s Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute—no experience required. In just 14 weeks, you’ll build real culinary skills, gain confidence, and earn a Basic Certificate in Culinary Arts while working alongside expert chefs and mentors. After completing the pre-apprenticeship, you can move straight into an apprenticeship and work toward your Advanced Certificate or Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. If you’re ready to cook, create, and step into Chicago’s food scene, this is your moment to get started!

Eligibility: 

  • Youth (ages 16-24) including high school students and recent graduates
  • Career changers and entry-level job seekers
  • High school completion or GED is required
  • Commitment to the full program schedule
  • Strong interest in culinary and hospitality career pathways

Start: Aug 2026

  1. 14-week pre-apprenticeship
    • 2 weeks of foundational training
    • 12 weeks of paid hands-on training
  2. 1 year paid hands-on apprenticeship & advanced culinary training

How to apply:

  1. Review the job description above
  2. Complete the interest form
  3. Complete Kennedy-King college application
  4. Complete New Student Checklist
  5. Attend the virtual information session
  6. Interviews & selection

Learn more at navigatefoundation.org

Questions can be directed to info@thenavigateprogram.com

Tagged as: #city colleges of Chicago, culinary, navigate foundation

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