Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day: A New Era for Restaurant Workforce Development
On April 30, 2025, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) marks National Apprenticeship Day in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor, spotlighting the significant influence of apprenticeship programs in cultivating talent and empowering individuals within the restaurant sector. This initiative is crucial as the industry employs approximately 15.7 million Americans, establishing itself as the second-largest private sector workforce in the United States. Many restaurant professionals embark on their journey from entry-level positions, showcasing unique pathways to success that often do not require a college degree.
A revealing statistic shows that nine out of ten managers and eight out of ten restaurant owners began their careers at entry-level jobs, working their way up through the ranks. Apprenticeships enhance this dynamic by blending practical experience in foodservice establishments with structured competencies and industry training standards. This model not only boosts individual skills but also prepares them for promotional opportunities in management and beyond.
Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF, articulates the potential of the restaurant industry, stating, ‘The restaurant industry has nearly limitless pathways to growth. Through apprenticeship, we're equipping employers to train and retain their employees, but we're also ensuring that the people who call our industry home have the opportunity to grow and advance.’
The NRAEF's apprenticeship efforts are the result of a longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor that began in 2016, aimed at broadening apprenticeship prospects within the restaurant and hospitality spaces. In 2023, the NRAEF was honored with a five-year contract valued at $12.2 million as a Registered Apprenticeship Industry Intermediary. This designation reinforces its commitment to the establishment of apprenticeship programs that have already involved over 165 employers.
Thanks to these initiatives, nearly 2,000 individuals have successfully completed apprenticeship tracks in various roles, including restaurant manager, assistant restaurant manager, kitchen manager, assistant kitchen manager, and line cook. National Apprenticeship Day serves as a platform for celebrating these achievements, with leaders from industry, labor, workforce, education, and government sectors collaborating to elevate the conversation surrounding Registered Apprenticeship's relevance to economic growth.
As part of the day’s activities, the Foundation hosted a webinar, illuminating the practical ways employers are implementing apprenticeship strategies within their establishments. Links to the recorded session are available to provide insights for those interested in enhancing their organizational training approaches.
Furthermore, the NRAEF’s contribution extends beyond apprenticeships. The foundation works diligently to attract talent and promote workforce engagement through various programs. These include ProStart®, a high school career and technical education initiative; Restaurant Ready/HOPES, which partners with community organizations to provide vital skills training and job access; military initiatives assisting transitioning servicemen and women to transition into foodservice careers, scholarships for students pursuing degrees in related fields, and the establishment of the Restaurant Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC), which provides accredited apprenticeship programs designed to uplift service professionals.
In fostering an inclusive atmosphere within the restaurant industry, the NRAEF continues its dedication to evolving training and educational opportunities, ensuring future industry leaders can thrive. For more upcoming events and details regarding apprenticeship opportunities created by the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org and engage with the community’s endeavors to reshape the restaurant workforce landscape.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day represents not just a moment of acknowledgment, but also a commitment to building a stronger, more capable, and diversified workforce within the restaurant industry, paving the way for new generations of leaders and innovators.
A revealing statistic shows that nine out of ten managers and eight out of ten restaurant owners began their careers at entry-level jobs, working their way up through the ranks. Apprenticeships enhance this dynamic by blending practical experience in foodservice establishments with structured competencies and industry training standards. This model not only boosts individual skills but also prepares them for promotional opportunities in management and beyond.
Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF, articulates the potential of the restaurant industry, stating, ‘The restaurant industry has nearly limitless pathways to growth. Through apprenticeship, we're equipping employers to train and retain their employees, but we're also ensuring that the people who call our industry home have the opportunity to grow and advance.’
The NRAEF's apprenticeship efforts are the result of a longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor that began in 2016, aimed at broadening apprenticeship prospects within the restaurant and hospitality spaces. In 2023, the NRAEF was honored with a five-year contract valued at $12.2 million as a Registered Apprenticeship Industry Intermediary. This designation reinforces its commitment to the establishment of apprenticeship programs that have already involved over 165 employers.
Thanks to these initiatives, nearly 2,000 individuals have successfully completed apprenticeship tracks in various roles, including restaurant manager, assistant restaurant manager, kitchen manager, assistant kitchen manager, and line cook. National Apprenticeship Day serves as a platform for celebrating these achievements, with leaders from industry, labor, workforce, education, and government sectors collaborating to elevate the conversation surrounding Registered Apprenticeship's relevance to economic growth.
As part of the day’s activities, the Foundation hosted a webinar, illuminating the practical ways employers are implementing apprenticeship strategies within their establishments. Links to the recorded session are available to provide insights for those interested in enhancing their organizational training approaches.
Furthermore, the NRAEF’s contribution extends beyond apprenticeships. The foundation works diligently to attract talent and promote workforce engagement through various programs. These include ProStart®, a high school career and technical education initiative; Restaurant Ready/HOPES, which partners with community organizations to provide vital skills training and job access; military initiatives assisting transitioning servicemen and women to transition into foodservice careers, scholarships for students pursuing degrees in related fields, and the establishment of the Restaurant Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC), which provides accredited apprenticeship programs designed to uplift service professionals.
In fostering an inclusive atmosphere within the restaurant industry, the NRAEF continues its dedication to evolving training and educational opportunities, ensuring future industry leaders can thrive. For more upcoming events and details regarding apprenticeship opportunities created by the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org and engage with the community’s endeavors to reshape the restaurant workforce landscape.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day represents not just a moment of acknowledgment, but also a commitment to building a stronger, more capable, and diversified workforce within the restaurant industry, paving the way for new generations of leaders and innovators.
Topics People & Culture）
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