North Central Michigan College is launching a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program that will give culinary professionals the opportunity to build their skills and advance their careers.  The program is the result of North Central’s partnership with Boyne Highlands Resort, Boyne Mountain Resort, the Inn at Bay Harbor, Northwest Michigan Works! and the American Culinary Federation.

The comprehensive apprenticeship program is open to Boyne team members and includes paid, on-the-job training that will culminate in a North Central Certificate of Development in Hospitality, a U.S. Department of Labor credential, and Certified Sous Chef® designation from the American Culinary Federation, which is widely regarded as the gold standard in culinary accreditation.

“The hospitality industry is vital to our region’s economy,” said Charles Hayes, North Central’s dean of Business, Manufacturing and Technology. “This program will allow culinary professionals to take the next step in their career while simultaneously filling the talent pipeline with highly skilled, educated employees.  The result will be a more robust, sustainable Northern Michigan economy.”

Boyne is offering the two-year, 4,000-hour apprenticeship at no cost to its team members.

“This program is a groundbreaking, collaborative effort resulting in a unique career pathway for individuals with a desire to learn a professional trade,” said Amanda Bomers, human resources director at Boyne Highlands Resort.  “It is a well-structured program incorporating a wide range of training, leadership and educational instruction to produce highly skilled culinary journey workers.”

The apprenticeship program is the latest example of an innovative North Central partnership.

“Two aspects at the core of this collaboration are North Central’s mission to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant education, and our aim to improve the quality of life for our students and the communities we serve,” said Dr. David Roland Finley, North Central’s president.  “The fact that Boyne is offering this opportunity to its employees at no cost is a testament to their belief in the transformative power of education to improve lives and communities.”    

Boyne team members may apply for the apprenticeship program via Boyne’s website through December 20, 2019.

North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord. North Central’s mission is to provide educational, economic and cultural opportunities for student learning, personal growth and community improvement.  North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Gold by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.


For more information:
Megan Van Horn
Content Media Administrator
231-439-6399