Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs are a great way to attract new talent to the industry and upskill workers. They assist companies with recruitment, training, and retention by improving culture, productivity, and diversifying their workforce.
Apprenticeships work—here’s why:
- 94% of apprentices stay with their employer after successful completion of the apprenticeship
- $1.47 average return on investment for every $1 invested
- 80% apprentice retention rate in the restaurant manager program
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, events, and more.
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Apprenticeships
Pre-Apprenticeship
Are you a ProStart student interested in apprenticeship opportunities?
ProStart students are encouraged to take the first step toward a successful apprenticeship while still in school by completing these pre-apprenticeship steps. These activities provide you with a strong foundation for starting an apprenticeship journey and serve as valuable tools for early career preparation. They also offer you a chance to explore the world of apprenticeships and determine if this pathway aligns with your future career goals.
Restaurant Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA)
The Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) aims to connect individuals to the nation’s second-largest private-sector employer—restaurants—through apprenticeships in several disciplines. Apprentices gain valuable on-the-job training while earning a U.S. Department of Labor-approved industry certification. The NRAEF funds the apprenticeship-related training expenses, so there is no cost to the business or the apprentice.
Pre-Apprenticeship Student Steps
Complete the following steps to enroll as a pre-apprentice:
- Fill out the pre-apprenticeship enrollment form.
- Fill out the data consent form (if you are under 18, have your parent/guardian fill out the form).
- After finishing steps 1 & 2, complete the Pre-Apprentice Exploration Course (1-hour duration).
You are now officially a pre-apprentice. Now what?
- Schedule a call with PRLA to discuss your goals and interests.
- Prepare your resume and submit it for review to Andrea Trubiano, PRLA workforce development specialist.
- Schedule a mock interview and resume feedback session.
- Complete the pre-apprentice profile survey to provide information on your credentials, work experience, and more.
- If you are ready to pursue an apprenticeship opportunity, submit the apprentice interest form.
Download the Pre-Apprenticeship Student Steps flyer.
Apprenticeship Tracks
All tracks are available to individuals 17 or older applying for a first-time position OR to any current employees who show potential.
- Line Cook: 12 months
- Assistant Kitchen Manager: 18 months
- Kitchen Manager: 18 months
- Assistant Restaurant Manager: 18 months
- Restaurant Manager: 24 months
Download the Apprenticeship Pathways flyer.
Advantages of Participating for Employers
- No cost to employer or apprentice
- Candidates who may have already completed ProStart or other in-classroom training come equipped with technical skills
- Improves retention rates
- Builds a diverse, engaged, and competent staff
- Can attract more job applicants as it enhances your benefits package
- Increase staff productivity
Advantages of Participating for Apprentices
- Job Stability: Apprenticeships have an 80% retention rate nationwide
- Good Pay: The average wage increase for employees over the course of their apprenticeship is 14%
- Excellent Opportunities: Placement options include every type/style of restaurant
- Professional Development: Additional training and certifications are available at no cost to you
Program Requirements for Employers
- Commit to training your apprentice for as long as it takes for them to gain the needed competencies
- Provide at least one wage increase during their tenure
- Provide on-the-job training in culinary skills, safety and sanitation, and management and leadership
- Training course component is provided by the NRAEF or community partner
Program Expectations for Apprentices
- Dedication to learning culinary skills, safety & sanitation, and management & leadership skills
- Commitment to the program for as long as it takes to gain the required skills and complete the training
- Line Cook Apprentices are expected to complete the program in 1 year if working full time
- Management Apprentices are expected to complete the program in 2 years if working full time
- Part-time options are available
Approved Employers
| EMPLOYER | LOCATION |
| Barley Creek Brewing Company | Tannersville |
| Camelback Resort | Tannersville |
| Cilantro & Ajo | Pittsburgh |
| Culinesse LLC | Lehigh Valley & South Central PA |
| Hershey Entertainment & Resorts | Hershey |
| Hilton Harrisburg | Harrisburg |
| HollyHedge Estate | New Hope |
| JDK Catering | Camp Hill |
| Kalahari Resorts | Pocono Manor |
| Kitchen Kettle Village | Intercourse |
| Mike’s Beer Bar / North Shore Tavern | Pittsburgh |
| PA House | Hellertown |
| Primanti Bros. | Multiple locations in Western & South Central PA |
| Robert Ryan Catering & Design | Collegeville |
| Settlers Hospitality | Hawley |
| The Frogtown Chophouse | Cresco |
| The Harmony Inn | Harmony |
| The Nutrition Group | Multiple PA locations |
| The Rockhill Filling Station | Perkasie |
| The Speers Street Grill | Belle Vernon |
Additional Information / Get Started
For more information on how to get started or questions about our pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, please contact PRLA Workforce Development Specialist Andrea Trubiano at atrubiano@prla.org or (717) 963-8375.
AHLA Foundation Apprenticeship Program
Transform Your Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeship!
Registered apprenticeship is a training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom education for in-demand occupations. For employers, it provides an opportunity to develop highly skilled workers and significantly strengthen labor retention by using a proven method to develop both current employees and prospective employees. For employees, it is an opportunity to advance their careers, receive hands-on learning, and earn both college credit and industry certification at no charge via scholarship funding from the AHLA Foundation. Programs offered include Hotel Cook Apprentice, Lodging Manager Apprentice, and Maintenance Apprentice.
Did You Know?
- 90% of apprentices remain employed after completing their program
- For every dollar spent on apprenticeship, employers receive an average of $1.47 return in increased productivity.
For More Information about AHLA Apprenticeships, Contact:
Carrie Alexander
Director of Workforce Development
American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation
CAlexander@ahla.com
Membership Has Benefits
Resources for Hospitality Businesses, Vendors, Sponsors, Students. Membership is for Everyone!
