Cooking up global connections in Wales

Update | Monday, July 13, 2026

Above, young chefs from around the world attended the biannual Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Wales in May. Columbus State student Ben Major, back left, holds a small American flag.

Culinary apprenticeship student Ben Major won’t graduate until 2027, but he’s not wasting time learning firsthand about culinary excellence. He attended and presented at the prestigious Worldchefs Congress & Expo held in Wales in mid-May. Major, whose presentation centered on mentors and mentees, was part of a Columbus State team that earned a silver medal at a regional competition in March. 

Professor Barry Young also attended. Young is the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation chairperson, and he serves on the World Association of Chefs (WACS) education committee. 

“This was significant for Major to attend,” said Young. “It can be a once-in-a-lifetime event. I believe there were only a few other students from the United States attending. Major was able to make connections with chefs and students from Australia and around the world.”

The Worldchefs Congress represents over 90 countries and nearly a million chefs.

 

 

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