Apprenticeship Program Open for Business
A $1.8 million contract with the DOL will be used to place more than 400 people into industry apprenticeships and develop career pathways for them.
Educational Foundation, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the U.S. Department of Labor officially kicked off our first-ever joint apprenticeship program. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to develop the next generation of restaurant and hospitality employees into successful managers and executives.
This $1.8 million contract with the DOL will be used to place more than 400 people into industry apprenticeships and develop career pathways for them. Participating brands in the program include TGI Friday’s, White Castle, Golden Corral, Firehouse Subs, Hilton Hotels, Embassy Suites and Waldorf Astoria.
Today’s launch was held at our Washington, D.C. headquarters. NRAEF Executive Vice President Rob Gifford said the apprenticeship program is going to be a big win for the restaurant and hotel industries.
The DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship, has already awarded more than $20.4 million to support apprenticeship programs in the health care, energy, construction and transportation fields. The foodservice and hospitality industries are the latest to join that list.
AHLA Educational Foundation President and COO Joori Jeon said the apprenticeship program will provide important opportunities for the next generation of hospitality leadership. She said it would be recognized as the new standard of excellence for employers looking to hire the best talent.
Labor department research indicates that 91 percent of apprentices remain employed after completing programs and that annual starting salaries range above $50,000.
Pictured at top: NRAEF Executive Vice President Rob Gifford, AHLA Educational Foundation President and COO Joori Jeon and the labor department's Jose Velazquez
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