Johnson County Community College (JCCC) continues to bring global opportunities to its campus, as students recently had the chance of a lifetime to hone their culinary skills with world-famous chef Rick Stephen. Chef Stephen is China’s national culinary team coach and the executive chef for Singapore Airlines. He visited JCCC in early April 2026.
Watch as JCCC’s Chef Apprentices grow their skills during Chef Stephen’s culinary visit.
During his visit, Chef Stephen taught 13 Chef Apprentices how to make the perfect chicken parmesan. JCCC students worked side-by-side for several hours with Chef Stephen to learn culinary techniques and then tasted their dishes while sharing feedback.
Chef apprenticeship program background
The opportunity to learn from renowned industry experts is just one of the reasons students love JCCC’s Chef Apprenticeship program.
In the program, students take classes while working as a paid chef under the supervision of an experienced American Culinary Federation-qualified chef. For three years, they build foundational cooking skills and gain real-world experience alongside seasoned professionals in restaurants, hotels, and event venues throughout the Kansas City region.
Chef Apprenticeship students also take classes on hospitality accounting and purchasing, facilities design, nutrition basics, and more. Upon competition of their coursework and 4,000 apprenticeship hours, students can qualify to sit for the American Culinary Federation’s practical and written exams to become a Certified Sous Chef.
World-class culinary education
But it’s not all work and school. Chef Stephen’s visit is just one example of how JCCC creates access to global learning experiences that would otherwise be out of reach for many students.
Culinary teams from JCCC regularly participate in international competitions against teams from around the world. Additionally, the college hosts competitions for high school students. JCCC also supports sending individuals to international culinary competitions.
This spring, a JCCC Chef Apprenticeship student earned a gold medal for menu creation and several silver medals as part of a nationwide team at the Singapore Expo international culinary competition. (Ideally, name) was selected for the team, sponsored by Jones Farm Dairy, and received support from JCCC to prepare, including practice space, equipment, and a scholarship from the JCCC Foundation to help with competition costs.
Through mentorship, resources, and industry connections, JCCC empowers students to pursue esteemed opportunities even when they originate beyond the College.
Global training, local impact
When students train at an elite level, the payoff extends beyond the classroom—creating value that stays within the region. And access to first-class global learning experiences on campus inspires JCCC students to dream big.
Other students working with Chef Stephen in April include JCCC chef apprentice Alexis Silva, who hopes to one day work in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Another student, Emme Wince, plans to take her degree and what she learns as a chef apprentice to start a restaurant in her hometown of McPherson, Kansas.
By preparing talented, industry-ready chefs with world-class training opportunities, the College helps strengthen the regional hospitality workforce. Whether JCCC graduates choose to work in top kitchens, compete internationally, or bring their skills back to their hometowns, they contribute to a stronger local economy and a vibrant regional culinary landscape.
For more information on the Chef Apprenticeship program at JCCC, visit jccc.edu.
