The hallmark RRCC Culinary Arts program is a rigorous, three-year AAS in Culinary Arts that combines technical classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Through coursework and a 6,000-hour European-style, dual-registered apprenticeship recognized by both the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Culinary Federation, the program prepares students to achieve culinarian status while working full time with an approved Rocky Mountain Chefs of Colorado-sponsoring house.
Related classes are taught at Warren Tech for five hours a week, 90 hours a semester. The program is not a traditional college program with specific course sections. Students will earn journeyman certificates through the U.S. Department of Labor.
RRCC Culinary Arts students study the classical foundations of modern cuisine and take a broad scope of business courses designed to prepare individuals for the challenges of today’s food service industry—while getting paid for each hour worked. There are three program offerings:
- Culinary Arts: Introduction certificate (5 credits): A short program introducing students to the fundamentals of professional cooking and the expectations of the culinary industry.
- Culinary Arts certificate (47 credits): Comprehensive culinary training with a paid apprenticeship. This certificate allows students to continue seamlessly toward the associate degree if they choose.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts: Includes the full Culinary Arts certificate curriculum plus general education courses in communication, business, and science. Students complete a 6,000-hour European-style, dual registered apprenticeship recognized by both the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Culinary Federation, working full time with an approved Rocky Mountain Chefs of Colorado-sponsoring house.
The apprenticeship places students in a professional setting, where they develop real-world skills and earn progressively higher wages over the course of the training. Lab and classroom instruction combined with professional instruction develop students’ transferable skills that can open doors to a range of career paths, including:
- Culinary Educator
- Full-Service Restaurant Staff
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Food Critic and Writer
- Food Stylist
- Hotel Professional
- Hospital, Retirement Center, or Corporate Chef
- Personal Chef, Pastry Chef, or Restaurant Chef
- Research and Development
RRCC’s Culinary Arts program offers a demanding yet rewarding pathway into the culinary profession, blending full-time, paid experience with academic training and professional certification.
Culinary Arts Orientations 2026
Time: 5:00PM – 6:00PM
Location: Room 2251 (Sandstone)
- March 2
- April 6
- May 4
- June 1
- July 6
- August 3
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.