The NRAEF’s first-of-its-kind hospitality apprenticeship program offers both new and current restaurant and foodservice employees with the opportunity to advance their careers and move into higher paying management positions.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the nation’s first hospitality registered apprenticeship is a win-win for both the employee and his or her company. In partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the joint apprenticeship program is for both the restaurant and hotel and lodging industries.
How the program works
In direct partnership with restaurant employers of all sizes, the Foundation provides a detailed and comprehensive curriculum of on-the-job and practical classroom-style instructions for employers to offer to their current or incumbent employees selected for the apprenticeship program.
Apprentices participate in the competency-based “earn-while-you-learn” program involving on-the-job training and classroom work. As each skill and competency is mastered, apprentices advance in the program until all competencies are documented and completed by the employer. Depending on the ability of the apprentice, the apprenticeship program takes approximately two years to complete – and each apprentice must receive at least one pay raise during their time in the program.
Apprenticeship by the numbers
In its third year, the Foundation’s apprenticeship program has:
-
A 95% average retention rate – meaning apprentices who start the program will likely complete it.
-
Over 50 employers
-
Over 1,000 apprentices
-
Partnered with the Multicultural Food & Hospitality Alliance to ensure we are committed to diversity and inclusion.
How you can get involved
Are you an employer looking to recruit and retain employees? Sign up for the program by contacting our apprenticeship team directly at apprenticeship@nraef.org.
Are you currently working in the restaurant industry? Find out if your company currently offers apprenticeship by checking out our current list of employers. If your company is not listed, tell your Manager about why apprenticeship might be right for your restaurant – and ask them to contact us.
Resources to learn more about apprenticeship:
Participating Restaurants
Apprenticeship Videos
Press Releases & News Coverage
How to Build a Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship - Details on how to develop a program for your company and links to download brochures with step-by-step instructions.
FAQs
Apprenticeship Toolkit - Find out more about the strategy to expand your talent pool, the benefits of implementing an apprenticeship program and how you can get started.
Chili’s® Grill & Bar is offering eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces direct pathways to jobs and careers in restaurants and foodservice management through apprenticeship.
Click here to directly apply