Like many things in life, what you get out of an experience depends on what you put in. Meaning, the more active you are, likely the more fruitful your engagement will be. Read more about the benefits of young chefs clubs here.

How do I join Worldchefs Young Chefs Club.

• The term “Worldchefs Young Chefs Club(s)” shouldn’t be represented as a single Young Chefs Club, but by a network of Young Chef Clubs that is connected through Worldchefs. As a member of Young Chefs Club, under a Worldchef’s National Association, you are automatically a part of Worldchefs.

The Young Chefs Development Committee operate under the same mission as the main Worldchefs body, however our focus is on youth, their interests, and their development. Young chefs are much earlier in their careers. They are eager for new experiences and learning opportunities. They are excited about the breadth of the industry and are inspired by mentors and more senior chefs. Young chefs are developing their style and planning their futures. Sometimes they need more support and at times they do not know what they do not know.

Young chefs are generally 25 years of age or younger. For official registration such as for the Worldchefs Congress and Worldchefs Competitions, we ask that participants respect the age limit, however we understand that transitioning to a senior chef can be a developmental process. Some start their careers later in life and in that sense are junior chefs or still apprentices and we support that type of lifelong learning just the same.

Young Chefs Clubs (YCC) depend on you and your peers! The clubs are what you make of them. Some of the well-established clubs have active leadership that meets and is in regular communication. Amongst themselves, they organize their own excursions, events, fundraisers, tastings, training sessions, guest speakers, friendly competitions, and more. Many of them simply enjoy learning about the culinary industry and having new experiences together. Young chefs naturally develop skills beyond culinary skills. They experience networking, public speaking, pushing their limits, and organizational skills too.

There are over 100 national memberships around the world, yet not all of them have Young Chefs groups. For a directory of Young Chefs Clubs, please visit, here.

That’s great that you want to start your own young chefs club! In short:

1. Check to see if there is a National Association in your country: (link to map and database of existing national organizations)
2. If so, reach out to the leadership team and express your interest. They might be able to support you directly. If not, consider “piggy-backing” off a neighboring country’s membership depending where you are around the world.
3. Gather peers and classmates who would form a young board of directors or committee with you. You may need to put a call out to fill more active roles.
4. Inform your National Association that you would like to form a young chefs club and have them pass on a registration form from Worldchefs. (Registration Form)
5. Plan and complete organizational framework for being accountable and fair. Look for other resources such as local culinary schools or libraries. See an example here: (link to Singapore YCC Constitution)
6. Continue organizing meetings and events. Monitor other Worldchefs activities elsewhere and consider how you can keep growing.

Sometimes, it is easy and interesting to see what other Young Chefs Clubs are doing. The best support is seeing and learning from other young chefs. Look into what other clubs are doing and take part in online events and webinars. Keep in mind that senior members and mentors can be an excellent source for motivation and inspiration.

If you would like more specific support, please contact: [email protected]

Young Chefs Clubs must be maintained under the national membership. National Associations will require their own membership, some of which have a cost for students or young chefs. Following national guidelines is highly encouraged so all participants can be aligned and a standard is maintained. Please look into your national guidelines.

Your country’s national association may have a small fee, targeted for apprentices and young chefs who are just getting their career started. Each country has differing requirements.