Sharpen Your Skills. Serve the World.

Your gateway to over 200 online culinary certificate courses from the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, OJ, CD, MP, Hon. LLD

A Message from the Minister of Tourism

Jamaica’s culinary heritage is one of our greatest national treasures. With our bold flavours, vibrant traditions, and world-class hospitality, Jamaica is poised to lead the Caribbean as a centre of culinary excellence. The Gastronomy Academy at the Montego Bay Convention Centre is a game-changing investment in the skills of our people and the future of our tourism industry.

This facility offers international certification opportunities through our partnership with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and features the Caribbean’s first ACF-certified kitchen. Every certification earned strengthens Jamaica’s global appeal as a premier gastronomy destination.

I encourage all Jamaicans with a passion for food to explore the opportunities available—especially the free courses—and to take full advantage of this pathway to empowerment and economic independence.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, OJ, CD, MP, Hon LLD
Minister of Tourism

Gastronomy Academy Free Online Culinary Courses – Get Started Today

As part of our mission to make culinary education more accessible, MBCC offers free online courses in partnership with the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, these continuing education courses offer flexible, self-paced training in areas such as:

Through ACF’s platform, you’ll have access to:

Advanced culinary techniques
Global cuisine trends
Ongoing professional development

Are You Eligible?

We’re seeking 50 motivated individuals for our first cohort. Ideal applicants:

• Work in the hospitality/tourism sector in Jamaica

• Are 18+ years old

• Have a strong interest in culinary arts

• Are employed or recently employed in a kitchen/hospitality role

• Are able to list their current/most recent employer

• Are ready to answer questions about their educational background and culinary experience

Note: Future cohorts will be announced soon for those not selected this round.

Want to acquire more advanced certification? Explore the Gastronomy Academy!

A New Era in Culinary Education

The Gastronomy Academy at the Montego Bay Convention Centre is Jamaica’s premier culinary training hub. As the first and only ACF-certified kitchen in the Caribbean, it offers aspiring and practicing chefs access to globally respected certification pathways.

Whether you’re working in a resort kitchen or dreaming of starting your own food venture, this is your chance to elevate your skills. We are building Jamaica’s next generation of world-class chefs and food entrepreneurs through hands-on training and globally recognised certification.

Certifications

What You'll Gain

Access to 200+ ACF Online Learning Centre courses

Practical training in MOBAY CENTRE’s ACF-certified kitchen

Assessment and guidance to appropriate certification level

Internationally recognized credentials through ACF

Opportunity for job placement and advancement

Backed by the Best

Ministry of Tourism black - High Res Coat of Arms Transparent V2

North America’s largest professional chefs organization

Join the Movement

Be part of the transformation. Whether you’re pursuing a free course or a full certification, the Gastronomy Academy at MBCC is your gateway to culinary excellence.

Full Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Email Address

Phone Number

Parish

Name of Employer

Job Title

Name of Hotel/Restaurant (if applicable)

How long have you worked in hospitality?

Highest Level of Education

Describe your interest in culinary certification (short paragraph)

Upload a Reference Letter (optional)

I certify that the information provided is accurate.