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Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Track at Colorado Mountain College

CMC offers a superior, in-kitchen apprenticeship for thousands less than other culinary schools

This program is full for the Fall 2024 semester and is not accepting applications

The Culinary Arts Apprenticeship track delivers the college’s most comprehensive hands-on learning experience, paired with the AAS Culinary Arts Degree. You’ll graduate from the apprenticeship track having completed a modern American Culinary Federation apprenticeship, an Associate of Applied Science degree, your U.S. Department of Labor Journey Cook certification and you qualify to take the American Culinary Federation Certified Sous Chef exam.

This paid apprenticeship will kick start your career with a minimum of 4,000 hours of structured on-the-job learning in up to six different restaurants over the course of the program, gaining real world experience that employers value.  At the end of the apprenticeship, your resume will have full-service hotel, large-scale banquet, quick serve, and fine dining experience.

The culinary arts apprenticeship track is sponsored by the Keystone Resort, a member of the Vail Resorts family of Resorts and is offered at the Summit Campus. The apprenticeship program has been identified as an Exemplary Program by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. Space in this program is limited and varies depending on availability at Keystone Resort.

Learn more about the program, including the curriculum, faculty and costs. See the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship FAQ below.

Request Program Information

Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Track FAQ

Graduates

Matt Vawter

Matt Vawter: A Legacy of Fine Dining

Matt Vawter rose quickly through the ranks after graduating from CMC with a degree in culinary arts. He is currently the proprietor of the award-winning restaurant Rootstalk in Breckenridge.

A native of Summit County, Matt returned to the mountains after making a name for himself as executive chef at Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver. Matt often hires fellow CMC grads to work for him.

“My education at CMC has helped me in my career because of the three years of true kitchen experience,” Matt says. “Not only was I introduced to all of the elements of classic cuisine, but I also was able to apply my classroom education in kitchens around the resort on a daily basis. When I graduated, I was ready to step into any kitchen I wanted to.”

Read more: Matt Vawter: A Legacy of Fine Dining

Kevin McCombs

Kevin McCombs

“The culinary apprentice program at Colorado Mountain College was the perfect start to my career in the hospitality industry. It furnished me with the tools to become the Executive Chef of the award-winning Ski Tip Lodge and go on to owning my business as a personal chef in House Cured Culinary. You, too, can jump start your culinary career with the Colorado Mountain College Keystone Culinary Institute.”

Kevin McCombs, House Cured Culinary/Owner/Executive Chef, Dillon, Colorado Read more: Kevin McCombs

Our Restaurant Partners

logo: The Alpenglow Stube
logo: The Bighorn Bistro & Bar
logo: Der Fondue Chessel
logo: Keystone Ranch
logo: Ski Tip Lodge