Culinary Arts and Career Pathways: How the one.Program Prepares Students for Real-World Success
By San Joaquin County Office of Education
At a recent conference hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), lunchtime was not just a break; it was a lesson in action and service. As more than 100 students and educators wrapped up their morning sessions, a group of student chefs rolled in with trays of tri-tip, barbeque chicken, vegetables and homemade cookies. Their service kept the event running smoothly and the guests focused for an afternoon of learning.
These students were not just volunteering. They are part of one.Culinary, a hands-on culinary arts program within the SJCOE’s one.Program. More than just preparing food, the experience gave students a chance to practice key workplace skills such as planning, time management, teamwork, and professionalism that will serve them well beyond the kitchen.
“It’s a real-world business simulation,” said Chef Michael Speer, the program’s instructor and a working culinary professional. “Students get to experience all facets of the food and hospitality industry in a supportive learning environment.”
For students like Malissa, the experience goes even further. She is among a select group participating in ARCH, or Apprenticeships Reaching Career Horizons, a groundbreaking SJCOE initiative that offers state-registered apprenticeships to high school students. Through ARCH, they have taken their passion for culinary arts to the next level, balancing high school studies with college-level career technical education, or CTE, courses at San Joaquin Delta College. And they are getting paid while doing it.
“I know how to handle rushes, how to serve, and how to manage responsibilities most 16-year-olds haven’t even encountered,” said Malissa. She is considering a future in psychiatry but sees her culinary training and the college credits she’s earning as a foundation. The skills she is learning—communication, service, and problem-solving—will aid her in any industry.
ARCH is the first program in California to offer state-registered apprenticeships to high school students. Since its inception, ARCH has enrolled 45 apprentices from six school districts across the county. Students have explored career paths in hospitality and marketing, IT support, education and agriculture.
By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience and college-level coursework, ARCH is helping students bridge the gap between high school and career, preparing them not only to earn a diploma but to step confidently into the workforce or post-secondary education.
The students working in the one.Culinary program are prime examples of how this model impacts students. “This program has given me extra responsibilities outside of school. And I feel this has benefited me on how to just show up and stay on task,” said Malissa. “I am very confident in my cooking skills. I am very confident with recipes. And I feel confident that I could pursue culinary after school and never have an issue.”
Learn more about ARCH and the one.Program at sjcoe.org.
