Chef for a Day

Learn about a career you’ll love as you experience a day in the life of a culinary arts student, participate in hands-on food preparation activities in our state of the art kitchens and learn about diverse employment opportunities in the food industry. 

You will also spend time with JJC’s award-winning team of culinary arts instructors who can answer any questions you have about the program. This unique opportunity is for high school juniors and seniors as well as adults looking for a career change. Groups of up to eight students with a teacher are acceptable but individuals may also make an appointment. For more information call us at (815) 280-1255 or email angela.alwood@jjc.edu. 

Schedule of Events

Participants start at 7:45a.m. in the Culinary Arts Office where you are outfitted with a Chef coat and Chef hat. At 8:00a.m. participants are guided to a lab class where you will see and experience a typical class day and interact with other students in the program. Then, it’s on to lunch at one of our student run restaurants with a complimentary meal voucher for up to $10.00pp. The day ends at around 12:30p.m. Best of all, it's FREE!

Attire

You must wear proper attire to be in compliance with local and state health department regulations when attending the Chef for a Day program. If you do not adhere to these requirements, the instructor/chef has the right to refuse participation. Listed below are the requirements.

  • Long Pants - No shorts, capris, baggy or 54" wide pant legs
  • Leather shoes or tennis shoes - No open-toed shoes, open back shoes, or shoes/boots that cover your pants
  • Wear a shirt made of lightweight material (A JJC Chef for a Day chef jacket will be provided to wear over your shirt)
  • Hair pinned or tied back and must wear the hat provided while in the kitchens
  • No rings/loose jewelry